Sunday's opening Copa del Rey last-32 clash pitted Segunda Division side Alcorcon against La Liga outfit Granada.
The away side took a one-goal lead into the interval after Odion Ighalo's header found the back of the net on the 30-minute mark.
Alcorcon improved in the second period, but they conceded again late on when Ighalo completed his brace with a smart finish from inside the box.
Read how the first leg unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Our Copa del Rey fourth-round coverage opens from the Estadio Santo Domingo as Alcorcon welcome Granada. The home side currently ply their trade in the Segunda Division and have made a bright start to the season, with 23 points from their 17 matches leaving them in eighth spot in the table.
They are also unbeaten in their last five matches, which is a far cry from their form in the early part of the season. In fact, they won just once in nine matches towards the beginning of the campaign, but their form has improved in recent weeks. As mentioned, they overcame Eibar in the previous round of the competition with a 2-1 win.
TEAMS:
ALCORCON: Gimenez; Serran, Verdes, Mora, Juli; Christian, Martinez, Iribas, Prendes; Jony, Angel
GRANADA: Karnezis; Nyom, Mainz, Murillo, Angulo; Iturra, Rico, Yebda; Brahimi, Ighalo, Piti
So there we have it. Attacking XI for the home side as Jony is paired with Angel Sanchez in the final third. Granada, meanwhile, are almost at full strength with Manuel Iturra, Fran Rico, Piti and Yacine Brahimi all starting for the La Liga outfit. No sign that the away side are taking this one lightly.
Alcorcon have never played in La Liga, but came close to advancing into the top division in 2009 when they made the playoffs. They overcame Sant Andreu and Alcoyano, but missed out on the big prize as they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Real Union. The Madrid-based outfit are also one of the newest teams in the competition having been founded in 1971.
Despite their early years, Alcorcon have previous in this competition. The Copa del Rey brought their most famous night as they incredibly beat Real Madrid 4-0 in the first leg of their last-32 clash in the 2009-10 season. They did lose the return leg in the Bernabeu, but by just the single goal. They were dumped out in the next round, however, after losing to Racing Santander.
Granada, meanwhile, have never won the Copa del Rey, but were runners-up in the 1958-59 season. They were dumped out of the competition by Real Zaragoza last season, but will be confident of making it to the last-16 stage this time around. However, success in La Liga is the club’s main priority this season.
The away side currently sit 12th in Spain’s top division having taken 17 points from their 15 matches. Their home form has been fairly patchy with just two wins from eight, but they have lost just twice on the road. They do, however, enter this match off the back of successive league defeats against Barcelona and Sevilla.
The two sides last met in a Segunda Division clash in January 2011. The only goal of the match was scored by Alex Geijo as Granada collected all three points on their own patch with a 1-0 success. Of course, a lot has changed at both clubs since then, but the La Liga outfit will be confident of picking up another win this afternoon.
PREDICTION: It had been speculated that both managers would rest a number of their key players this afternoon, but that has not been the case. Alcorcon certainly have personnel in their ranks that can cause Granada problems, but I expect the away side to be too strong. My score prediction is 2-1 Granada.
Here we go then. The two sides join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Not a full house inside the stadium, but there is a strong atmosphere. The home side get the action underway as morning becomes afternoon in Spain.
Early opportunity for Granada to threaten as Iturra is felled just outside the penalty area. Brahimi whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Jony is on hand to clear for a corner. You just get the feeling that Alcorcon need to stay in the match in the opening 20 minutes or so.
Neither side has been able to take control of the possession in the opening four minutes, but Granada have been the more inventive in the final third. Juli attempts to create in the middle of the park for Alcorcon moments later, but Iturra fells the Spaniard. Good tempo to the early stages of this Copa del Rey last-32 clash.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in, but the referee has not felt the need to issue a card thus far. Both sides are attempting to probe in the final third, but neither has found that elusive pass thus far. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock.
Juli attempts to force the issue for the home side as the Spaniard drives past two challenges before finding a cross towards Jony, but Nyom is on hand to clear at the vital moment. End-to-end football as Brahimi breaks down the other end, but the attacker cannot find the run of Rico, who had broken from midfield.
The home side continue to threaten with successive corners, but Karnezis claims the first before Mainz clears with a towering header. Not too much to report in terms of chances thus far as both defences continue to stand strong. Granada have a free kick outside the box moments later, but Rico's delivery is cleared.
Just a few signs that Granada are starting to warm to their task as they enjoy a period of possession outside the Alcorcon box, but the latest attack breaks down when Ighalo runs into traffic. We are still waiting for the first real opportunity after 13 minutes of this fourth-round Copa del Rey clash. Miguel Alvarez will be pleased with what he has seen from his side thus far.
It's bright work from Juli as the Alcorcon attacker breaks down the left before advancing into the box, but the move is cut short when the linesman indicates that the ball had crossed the sideline. The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but it has been a low-key tie with 15 minutes on the clock.
The first yellow card of the match is issued to Serran as the Alcorcon defender fells Ighalo just outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken short by Rico, but the move breaks down. Extremely poor from the La Liga outfit from that position. That sums up what we have seen thus far.
The free-kick count continues to rise as Mora fells Ighalo outside the Alcorcon box. The free kick is taken by Rico, but Verdes manages to clear behind his own goal. The resulting corner is whipped into the area by Piti, but once more the danger is cleared. The pressure is starting to build on the home side.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. It is certainly not a game for the faint-hearted in the middle of the park. Alcorcon threaten with Antonio Martinez moments later, but Nyom makes a last-ditch challenge under pressure from Sergio Prendes.
Alcorcon are enjoying their best period of the match as they continue to pass and probe in the middle of the park, but they are struggling to really force the issue in the final third. That has also been the case for Granada, however, with neither side creating an opportunity of note inside 24 minutes this afternoon.
A mistake from Albert Serran presents Brahimi with possession just outside the Alcorcon box, but the midfielder is crowded out at the vital moment. The home side are down the other end with Juli moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Karnezis. Christian finds himself inside the box in the next attack, but the Spaniard cannot make contact on the loose ball.
Well, 29 minutes on the clock and we are still waiting for the first opportunity of note. It has been even in terms of possession, but Granada have looked the more likely to make something happen in the final third. There is no question that Miguel Alvarez will be the more content of the two managers at this stage of proceedings.
GOAL! Alcorcon 0-1 Granada (Ighalo)
Granada break the deadlock after 30 minutes as Ighalo heads Rico's free kick into the back of the net. That is the first time that the La Liga side have really threatened. It is important that Alcorcon stay in the match in the latter stages of the half.
Suddenly everyone in a Granada shirt wants the ball as the La Liga outfit begin to dominate possession in the middle of the park. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this afternoon with the second leg to come later in the month, but Granada have a priceless away goal. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. The home team continue to look capable in possession, but are really struggling to create opportunities. Granada, meanwhile, have started to move the ball quicker in the final third. Eventually superior ability comes to the surface.
The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium and indeed help their side, but Granada have started to move the ball quickly in the final third. The referee is again called into action, meanwhile, as Iturra clashes with Antonio Martinez in the middle of the park. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
The home side threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Mainz and Nyom take it in turns to clear the danger. Granada are down the other end with Brahimi moments later, but the midfielder cannot evade the capture of two defenders. Not too much to report in the latter stages of the first period. Still Granada lead.
Possession football for the away side as they continue to move the ball quickly in the Alcorcon half. Both managers will be fairly content with what they have seen thus far, but Miguel Alvarez's side have struggled to create chances. Juli hits one from distance moments later, but it is straight at Karnezis.
There have been just two shots on target in the first period, the first of which brought the opening goal, which is an indication of the type of match we have had thus far. Granada, meanwhile, have just about shaded the possession with 52%. We are into the final minute of normal time at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Alcorcon 0-1 Granada
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Granada ahead courtesy of a header from Ighalo after 30 minutes. Alcorcon have had their moments in an open first half, but the La Liga side just about deserve their one-goal lead at this stage of proceedings.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Javito, Sales and Chema. Meanwhile, they also have former Liverpool striker Daniel Pacheco in reserve. Granada also have options in the shape of Diego Buonanotte, Michael Pereira and Riki.
The referee has been forced to issue three yellow cards, meanwhile, with neither side shirking the physical battle in the middle of the pitch. Iturra has been booked for Granada, while Serran and Sanchez have entered the book for the home side. In truth, it has been a half full of intensity, but starved of real opportunities.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this afternoon with the second leg to come later in the month. No changes for either team at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. The away side get the second 45 minutes underway.
Excuse me, there was indeed one change apiece at the interval, which has just been confirmed. Granada introduced Recio in place of Iturra, who had been booked in the first period. Meanwhile, Pacheco replaces Jony for the home side. Let's hope for more opportunities in the second half of this Copa del Rey clash. As expected, Granada have taken control of the early possession.
Not too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the supporters return to their seats following the half-time interval. A half-chance arrives for Alcorcon as Prendes breaks down the right, but his low cross is cleared by Mainz. Granada retain their one-goal lead with 50 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Granada to score their second as Yebda finds himself inside the Alcorcon box. The midfielder's low cross is towards Piti, but somehow Verdes clears at the vital moment. Strong defending from the away side, who are struggling to move the ball quickly in the early stages of the half.
Slight problem for Prendes here as the Alcorcon midfielder hits the deck, with suggestions that he might have broken his nose in a high challenge. The Spaniard appears to be in considerable pain there is no question about that. Replays have shown that he caught an elbow in the face from Ighalo. It remains to be seen whether Alcorcon are forced to make another change with 55 minutes on the clock in this Copa del Rey clash.
Alcorcon are indeed forced into a change as Prendes is replaced by Javito. Miguel Alvarez has just one permitted substitution remaining, while Granada boss Lucas Alcaraz has two. A deep cross comes into the away side's box from Verdes moments later, but Nyom is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the home side have started to raise the tempo. Pacheco is involved for Alcorcon as he forces a corner, but the set piece is delivered straight into the arms of Karnezis. It remains 1-0 Granada with little over 30 minutes remaining.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides, but chances remain at a premium. Alcorcon attempt to force the issue as Pacheco drives down the left, but the former Liverpool forward is chopped down by Mainz, who collects a yellow card for his troubles.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Mora, but Yebda is on hand to clear with a powerful header. The pressure remains as Serran whips a dangerous cross towards Christian, but the Granada stopper comes to collect. Good pressure from the Segunda Division side with 63 minutes on the clock.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Yebda delivers a cross into the arms of Dani Gimenez, before Christian fires one high and wide of the crossbar down the other end. Verdes is in trouble moments later as the Alcorcon defender hits the deck after appearing to roll his ankle. Could the home side be forced into another change?
Well, little over 20 minutes of football remaining and still Granada lead 1-0. Alcorcon struggled in the first half, but have been much-improved in the second. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals as Serran whips another dangerous cross into the arms of Karnezis, before Yebda fires one just wide of the post down the other end.
Alcorcon are indeed forced into their third and final change as Babin replaces Verdes, who rolled his ankle moments ago. It has been a costly afternoon for the home side in terms of injuries. Granada still have two permitted changes remaining, but there is no sign of movement on their bench. Still 1-0 Granada.
Half-chance for Pacheco as the former Liverpool forward finds himself in a one-on-one situation with Murillo, but he cannot move past the Granada defender. The La Liga continue to drop deeper and deeper, which is inviting pressure. On their second-half performance, the home side are with a goal there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Alcorcon to level as Pacheco finds Javito inside the box, but somehow the Spaniard fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Incredible opportunity. Moments later, Granada make their second change as Brahimi is replaced by Pereira.
Granada simply cannot keep the ball at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue in the middle of the park. Javito is again involved for Alcorcon as he attempts to find Martinez, but Angulo is across to clear at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of this fourth-round Copa del Rey first leg remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ighalo as Pereira finds the striker inside the Alcorcon box. His first effort is saved by Gimenez, before he somehow pokes the rebound wide of the post. How on earth has he missed?! Granada's final change arrives moments later as Piti is replaced by Foulquier.
GOAL! Alcorcon 0-2 Granada (Ighalo)
Ighalo had just missed a sitter, but he now has his second. It's brilliant from the striker as he twists and turns inside the Alcorcon box before striking a low effort into the bottom corner. That could be game, set and match ahead of the second leg.
It is harsh on Alcorcon, who have improved in the second period, but Granada have carried the bigger attacking threat throughout the afternoon thus far. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later in the month. However, it will be a big ask for Alcorcon to turn this one around.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the challenges still flying in from both sides. Pereira has a half-chance for Granada moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but Angel Sanchez makes the block. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining in this Copa del Rey clash.
I shouldn't think that there will be too much time added at the end of the 90 minutes with relatively few stoppages in the second period. In fairness to the home side, they have not stopped working throughout the half, but Granada have just had too much quality in the final third. Ighalo's brace separates the teams.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Mora attempts to create something for the home side as he slides a pass towards Serran, but Angulo is across to quell the danger. Granada have been solid defensively this afternoon.
Half-chance for the home side as Juli strikes a bouncing ball inside the box, but Gimenez is on hand to make the save. Ighalo is on the counter down the other end moments later, but the forward is denied his chance of a hat-trick as Serran clears the danger. We are into the final minute of additional time.
FULL TIME: Alcorcon 0-2 Granada
So there we have it. Ighalo scores twice as Granada secure a 2-0 first-leg advantage against Alcorcon. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again this afternoon for more Copa del Rey football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
