Jose Antonio Camacho’s top flight outfit started the match well, but fell behind against the run of play on 17 minutes, thanks to former Deportivo La Coruna star Cristian. Neat build up from Francisco Pena and Jorge Tote created the opportunity, and the winger slotted the ball home from inside the area to give their visitors from Pamplona a nightmare start.
Cristian went close once more for the Blanquiazules before half-time while Del Olmo headed over from a decent position, but Osasuna emerged with purpose after the interval and levelled soon after through promising youngster Jorge Galan.
The 19-year old, making his first start for Camacho’s side, pounced after home goalkeeper Unai Alba failed to hold onto a Lopez Ruper shot, and showed excellent striking instincts to slide the ball home.
However, Hercules were not to be denied in front of their loyal fans, and edged ahead in the tie thanks to Del Olmo, who reacted first inside the area to stun Los Rojillos, and give the underdogs a fighting chance of progressing to the next round.
Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Real Mallorca
In another surprise score-line, high-flying Real Mallorca were also humbled 2-1, by Rayo Vallecano in a thrilling match in Madrid.
Midfielder Sanchez Michel handed Pepe Mel’s men a lead after just sixteen minutes, but they were quickly pegged back by the side who are challenging for Champions League football next season.
Julio Alvarez was in the right place at the right time, converting a Paulo Pezzolano knockdown inside the box, and parity was restored.
However, the Islanders’ task was made more difficult soon after when full-back Felipe Mattioni picked up a needless second booking to take an early bath, and from then on Rayo took control of proceedings.
They immediately regained the lead thanks to Juan Collantes, who headed past German Lux from close range, and in the second half they bombarded the visitors’ goal, attempting to extend their advantage.
In the closing stages they perhaps should have moved further ahead, but in the end they had to settle for a single goal lead – and face a daunting trip to the ONO Estadi and one of the best home records in Europe.
Malaga 2-1 Getafe
Struggling Malaga defeated Getafe and survived a late rally from the visitors to take a 2-1 lead to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez for next week’s second leg.
Midfielder Apono gave the Andalusian side an ideal start, slamming home off of Jordi Codina’s upright after ten minutes of play, but the Azulones should have drawn level, with Casquero and Pedro Leon squandering decent chances to level the tie.
Malaga however defended stoutly, and made it two just before the interval. Striker Edinho tried a speculative effort that was on target, but Codina could not deal with the shot and the ball somehow made its way past him and into the net.
Getafe needed an own goal, however, twenty minutes from time in order to give themselves a life-line for the return clash. Substitute Milan Stepanov diverted the ball the helpless Roberto, and the Madrid club sensed a comeback.
Despite both sides having their chances in the final stages they were wasteful in front of goal, and while Malaga hold the lead, Getafe will feel confident of overturning the deficit in six days time.
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