Cup holders Valencia held by Santander

Defending Spanish Cup holders Valencia drew 1-1 with Racing Santander in the last 16 first leg of the tournament on Wednesday thanks to an own goal by Racing midfielder Gonzalo Colsa.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring for Valencia, who last Saturday put an end to Atletico Madrid’s 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions with a 3-1 league win at home, with a header from close range into his own net in the 36th minute.

Racing’s French midfielder Mehdi Lacen equalized for his side 19 minutes later on a free kick after Toni Moral was tripped by Valencia midfielder Carlos Marchena.

Luis Fabiano and Kanoute scored for Sevilla to give the 2007 Cup winners a 2-1 win at home over Deportivo Coruna.

In other matches Sporting Gijon thrashed Valladolid 3-1, Polideportivo Ejido defeated Espanyol 3-2 and Real Betis beat Real Union 1-0.

A hat-trick by Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the first match of the last 16 first leg in a performance which the coach of the Catalan side, Pep Guardiola, called “magnificent”.

The win left Barcelona, who lead the Primera Liga by 11 points, well positioned in the race for a record 25th Cup win.

The last 16 first leg wraps up on Thursday with a nothern derby between Pamplona-based Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao while struggling Real Mallorca host Almeria. The second legs take place on Jan 14 and 15.