Girona battle past second-tier Elche to progress in Copa del Rey

Goals from Daley Blind and Yan Couto fired Girona into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win away to Segunda Division Elche.

Blind and Couto scored in either half for the LaLiga title challengers but Elche, 12th in Spain’s second tier, had a total of 22 attempts on goal without finding a way to beat visiting goalkeeper Juan Carlos.

Girona coach Michel made five changes from the side that beat Atletico Madrid 4-3 last time out, with match-winner Ivan Martin among those to keep their places.