Real struggle into last 8

MADRID: Real Madrid fielded an almost unrecognisable team and struggled into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Wednesday after a 2-2 draw against second division Numancia. Already 3-0 ahead from the first leg, coach Zinedine Zidane could afford to rest his superstars. Lucas Vazquez scored both of Real’s goals on Wednesday after the 11th and 59th minutes. But on both occasions, their modest visitors fought back thanks to a brace from Guillermo on the stroke of half-time and then after 82 minutes. Numancia ended the game with 10 men after captain Dani Calvo was red-carded in the dying moments. Leganes, a modest club from the Madrid suburbs, reached the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey for the first time in their 89-year existence. Despite losing 2-1 at Villarreal, who are currently sixth in La Liga, Leganes progressed on away goals having won the first leg 1-0. Moroccan international Nabil El Zhar scored the crucial away goal for mid-table Leganes on the half-hour mark. – AFP