Pontevedra Makes History With Stunning 3-0 Victory Over Mallorca
Getafe Edges Past Granada to Advance to the Next Round
The 2024-2025 Copa del Rey has kicked off its third round with some thrilling matches, demonstrating the grit and passion of both top-tier and lower division teams. The spotlight was on Pontevedra as they delivered a jaw-dropping performance against last year’s runners-up, Mallorca, overwhelming them with a convincing 3-0 victory. Meanwhile, Getafe secured their spot for the next stage with a closely contested 1-0 win against Granada.
The match between Pontevedra and Mallorca at the Estadio Municipal de Pasarón had fans on the edge of their seats. From the outset, the home team displayed their intent, quickly asserting dominance over their more celebrated rivals. The scoring for Pontevedra commenced with Dalisson launching an extraordinary strike from beyond the penalty arc, finding the back of the net at the 21-minute mark. The goal sent fans roaring, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Following the halftime break, Pontevedra continued their relentless attack, and just minutes after play resumed, Yelko Pino added to their lead with a beautifully placed volley inching past the Mallorca keeper to make it 2-0. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm, with their only notable chance coming from Abdón Prats, whose effort sailed just wide of the post.
Pontevedra’s manager highlighted the historic significance of this win, stating, “This victory demonstrates the growth of our club and our commitment to competing at the highest levels. Reaching the octavos is monumental for us.” With this victory, Pontevedra became the first team from Segunda Federación to reach the Copa del Rey knockout stage since the competition’s changes.
Meanwhile, Getafe faced Granada at the historic Nuevo Los Cármenes. With both teams aiming for progression, the match took place under high expectations, particularly for Getafe, who welcomed back Borja Mayoral after his long spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The first half ended without goals, but tension was palpable as both teams fought for every inch of the pitch. They exchanged several opportunities, but it wasn’t until the extra time period when Mayoral found the net, securing the decisive goal for Getafe. Displaying sharp instincts, he took advantage of Yildirim’s well-placed assist to direct the ball expertly past the Granada goalkeeper.
Post-match, Fran Escribá, the Getafe manager remarked, “The team showed resilience today. We knew it would be tough but our defensive work paid off. This win gives us confidence moving forward.” After their match, Getafe confirmed their place in the next round, progressing to the octavos with their narrow victory.
The results reflected broader tournament trends as major clubs battled against lower-tier competition: Rayo Vallecano also recorded a straightforward 3-1 victory over Racing Club Ferrol. Their goals came early, with Pacha Espino and Jorge De Frutos putting Rayo firmly in control before settling the match with another goal after halftime.
The Copa del Rey has gained even more attention this year with the inclusion of teams from Spain's top tier, marking the initial entry of teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, who will face off against clubs attempting to make their postseason mark.
Will they uphold the suspense and quality of play demonstrated by Pontevedra against Mallorca? Only time will tell as the tournament progresses.
For fans eager to catch all the Copa del Rey action, many matches will be broadcasted on various platforms, including public and regional broadcasters, ensuring all football enthusiasts can follow their teams' journeys through this prestigious tournament.
The Copa del Rey continues this weekend with more exciting matchups, and all eyes will be on the upcoming fixtures as clubs vie for glory in one of the oldest and most revered football competitions.