Celta join list of first division victims in King's Cup

Celta Vigo became the fourth first division side to fall to lower-ranked opposition in the King's Cup when they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at second division Numancia on Thursday.

Romanian forward Laurentiu Rosu grabbed the only goal of the second round game at Numancia's Los Pajaritos stadium with a fine left foot finish on 13 minutes, spoiling Celta coach Miguel Angel Lotina's return to his former club.

Celta, who have not won in their last three league games, were unable to find their rhythm in the first half and looked short of ideas in attack without injured playmaker Alexander Mostovoi.

Lotina threw on striker Catanha and Argentine winger Gustavo Lopez in the second half in the hope of spicing up his side's attack, and Numancia's lead was under severe threat after they were reduced to 10 men following the late dismissal of midfielder Manolo.

But the home side managed to hang onto their slender lead to join the list of sides in the last 16.

League champions Valencia became the biggest casualties of the second round after they threw away a 3-1 extra-time lead before losing on penalties to third division Alicante on Wednesday.

Athletic Bilbao, who have won the competition 23 times in their 104-year history, also lost to third division opponents after they were beaten 2-1 at Real Union de Irun on Wednesday while Malaga went down 2-0 at second division Xerez.

Defending champions Deportivo Coruna made their way safely through to the third round after they won 4-3 at neighbours Racing Ferrol, and last year's losing finalists Real Madrid cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over second division strugglers Real Oviedo.

Last season's finalists will be two of the most sought-after opponents in the draw for the next round, which will be played over two legs in January.