The Copa del Rey is always unpredictable. Real Madrid found that out tonight by facing an inspired Alcorcon. Two goals by Borja, another by Ernesto and a final own goal from Arbeola gave the locals the victory. The Madridistas had chances to score, but bad luck and an excellent performance from keeper Juanma thwarted them.

Real Madrid took the pitch ready to keep Alcorcon's intense attack in check. The locals' first chances came through shots from a distance. Mora was the first to try (1’), but his shot was off target. Ruben Sanz (2’) and Borja (11’) also put Dudek to the test, but were unlucky.

Borja kickstarted local dominance. The player -who has scored six goals against the Whites in four games- controlled the ball right outside the box, turned and scored from a phenomenal shot with his left foot (15’). Alcorcon distanced themselves further six minutes later when Arbeola unfortunately netted an own goal while trying to clear a cross by Nagore.

Real Madrid reacted, but Juanma thwarted every single of one their chances. Benzema failed to score from a one-on-one (17’); Drenthe shot off target after receiving a pass from Albiol (23’); Arbeloa (25’) and Granero (26’) grazed the post; and a long shot by Van der Vaart was saved by the keeper once more (28’). Alcorcon reached the goal five more times before half-time and Ernesto netted another strike on the 40-minute mark.

Gago came on for Guti in the second half and the Madridistas took control of the game until former Real Madrid youth teamer Borja
grabbed the ball from a clearance and nutmegged Dudek to net Alcorcon's fourth.

The Whites had many chances from then on, but none materialised, either because they hit the posts, were saved by Juanma or were cleared by the defence. The knockout stage will be decided at the Bernabeu on 10 November.

Lineups

Alcorcón
Juanma
Nagore
Iñigo López
Borja Gómez
Rubén Anuarbe
Rubén Sanz
Sergio Mora
Diego Cascón
Fernando Béjar
Carmelo 74'
Ernesto Gómez	Goal 40'
Jeremy 64'
Borja Pérez	Goal 16', 52'
Bravo 82'

Real Madrid
Dudek
Arbeloa	(Own goal)Goal 22'
Albiol
Metzelder
Drenthe
Diarra
Van der Vaart
Guti H.
Gago 46'
Granero
Marcelo 62'
Benzema
Raúl
Van Nistelrooy 72'