Top-flight teams safely through

By Andy Hall

Michael Owen scored his third goal in as many games to earn Real Madrid CF a 2-1 win at neighbours CD Leganés in the first round of the Spanish Cup, while fellow Primera División sides RC Deportivo La Coruña and CA Osasuna also recorded victories.

Morientes opener
Madrid coach Mariano García Remón rested Roberto Carlos, Luís Figo and Ronaldo for the opening fixture of a competition that the Spanish giants have not won in 12 seasons. Fernando Morientes opened the scoring in the 18th minute, latching on to a deflection and prodding past Raúl Arribas.

Owen decisive
García Remon's team were then unable to accept a number of presentable chances, with Borja Fernández and Owen both miscuing in front of goal. Owen did appear in the right place at the right time to tuck in a swinging Morientes centre and make it 2-0 on 48 minutes and, although Dani Ruiz curled in a glorious free-kick seven minutes later to give Leganés hope, Madrid held firm.

Two for Tristán
Deportivo were made to work for their 2-0 win against FC Cerceda, Diego Tristán getting both goals on 23 and 69 minutes. Meanwhile, Osasuna clinched victory from the penalty spot after their match against CD Castellón ended goalless. The Pamplona-based side took the shoot-out 4-2.