Zaragoza, Atletico reach last 16 in King's Cup

Primera Liga sides Real Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid scraped through to the last 16 of the King's Cup with narrow victories over lower-ranked opposition on Wednesday.

Zaragoza, Cup winners in 2004, claimed a nerve-racking 7-6 penalty shootout victory at second division leaders Xerez after extra-time ended with the score 2-2.

Atletico struggled to a 1-0 win at third division Alcoyano thanks to a second-half strike from substitute Maxi Rodriguez.

The two clubs will join Getafe, Athletic Bilbao, Cadiz, Celta Vigo and third division Zamora in the last 16 where they will be joined by the nine clubs who have competed in European competition this season and received byes in previous rounds.

Zaragoza looked on course for victory in normal time after a double from Brazilian striker Ewerthon put them 2-1 up with 20 minutes to go.

But forward Guille snatched an equaliser for Andalucians Xerez with practically the last kick of the game.

Neither side found the net in extra-time and Zaragoza eventually won the shootout when keeper Raul Valbuena saved a spot kick from Xerez striker Ivan Rosado.

The victory provided much-needed relief for Zaragoza coach Victor Munoz whose job has been on the line following his side's disappointing start to the season.

Carlos Bianchi's Atletico also made hard work of their tie despite fielding a near full-strength team against Alcoyano.

Atletico had the ball in the net on the half-hour but the goal was ruled out by referee Luis Medina Cantalejo after midfielder Luciano Galletti was adjudged to have dived in the area during the build-up.

Playmaker Ariel Ibagaza and striker Fernando Torres spurned clear opportunities to put Atletico ahead in the second half before midfielder Maxi came to the rescue moments after stepping on to the pitch.

The Argentine pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area, burst past three defenders and cracked a low shot beyond keeper Jesus Maestro at the near post on 64 minutes.

The next round, in which Barcelona, Real Madrid and Cup holders Real Betis enter the fray, will be played over two legs in early January.