FC Barcelona down Alaves 2-0

Madrid:

Javier Saviola's second-half goals brought FC Barcelona a 2-0 win at second-division Alaves in a first-leg, fifth-round match of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. Saviola struck the first in the 57th minute and doubled his tally with a header 23 minutes later to make Barcelona a clear favorite to reach the quarterfinals of Spain's knockout competition. The European and Spanish champion, which rested a host of players including Ronaldinho and Deco, hosts Alaves in the return leg next week. Alaves had defender David Coromina ejected after halftime. During the second half, Alaves supporters caused disturbances to protest at the running of the club by president Dmitry Piterman, a former United States triple-jumper. Around a hundred fans charged through the stand, leading police to intervene. Also, an injury-time goal by David Silva earned Valencia a 1-1 draw at Getafe, where the kickoff was delayed for half an hour when the lights failed. Getafe made an encouraging start to the game between the two first-division teams when striker Veljko Paunovic headed home in the second minute. Other results were: Rayo Vallecano 0, Sevilla 0; Valladolid 2, Villarreal 1; Mallorca 1, Deportivo La Coruna 2; and Malaga 0, Zaragoza 3. Sevilla held scoreless Sevilla was held scoreless on its visit to third-division giantkiller Rayo, which knocked out defending champion Espanyol in the previous round. The league leaders came closest to scoring in the 14th minute when a long shot by striker Javier Chevanton hit the bar. Second-division leader Valladolid upset Villarreal thanks to goals in each half by Roberto Losada and Joseba Llorente. Striker Jose Mari Romero netted before halftime for the visitors, which had Mexico striker Guillermo Franco ejected in the 84th. In another topflight clash, Deportivo's slender win at Mallorca came courtesy of second-half goals by Adrian Lopez and Sebastian Taborda. After Deportivo midfielder Juan Rodriguez was ejected in the 76th minute, Mallorca pulled a goal back in injury time through Maxi Lopez. Six-time winner Zaragoza took a firm step toward the quarterfinals with an emphatic win at second-division Malaga. Striker Sergio Garcia netted in the 13th and 49th minutes, with Oscar Gonzalez adding Zaragoza's third in the 76th. On Tuesday, Osasuna drew Atletico Madrid 1-1. Real Madrid plays at 2005 titlist Real Betis on Thursday.