Sevilla hold the edge over Osasuna in Cup quarter-final
High-flying Sevilla edged a 2-1 victory at home to Osasuna in their King's Cup quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday thanks to a controversial late strike by midfielder Jesus Navas. The 19-year-old smashed home a powerful right-foot strike after the ball appeared to run out of play when Brazilian striker Julio Baptista cut a pass back into his path from an offside position 11 minutes from time.
High-flying Sevilla edged a 2-1 victory at home to Osasuna in their King's Cup quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday thanks to a controversial late strike by midfielder Jesus Navas. The 19-year-old smashed home a powerful right-foot strike after the ball appeared to run out of play when Brazilian striker Julio Baptista cut a pass back into his path from an offside position 11 minutes from time.
Wednesday's other first leg match between Primera Liga basement side Numancia and Atletico Madrid was postponed after sub-zero temperatures made the pitch in Soria unplayable. The game has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 2.
On Tuesday, 23-time Cup winners Athletic Bilbao came from a goal down win 3-2 at home to second division Valladolid.
Third division giant-killers Gramenet, who have knocked out Barcelona and Levante on their way to the last eight, face Real Betis in the remaining quarter-final tie on Thursday.
Visitors Osasuna had the first chance to score at the Sanchez Pizjuan when Savo Milosevic made space after turning sharply in the area but the burly striker saw his goal-bound shot turned wide by Sevilla keeper Antonio Notario.
Nine minutes later Sevilla were gifted the lead when defender Carlos Cuellar clipped a dangerous back-pass towards his own area.
Sevilla striker Antonito pounced as the ball rolled behind the Osasuna back four and guided it past keeper Ricardo Sanzol to put his side in front against the run of play.
The Andalucians had a gilt-edged opportunity to extend their lead six minutes later but Baptista skied a point-blank shot over the bar after Daniel Alves slipped him a perfect pass.
Just as Sevilla looked to be taking complete control, Osasuna were thrown a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty after defender Aitor Ocio was adjudged to have used his arm to hold Milosevic off in the area.
Australian striker John Aloisi ensured the Navarrans of a valuable away goal when he sent Notario the wrong way with his spot kick.
Osasuna came within a whisker of taking the lead early in the second half when Milosevic planted a delicate chip onto the bar.
But it was Sevilla who grabbed an important advantage ahead of next week's second leg when Navas netted with his controversial 79th-minute strike.