The surprise remained in the Spanish King’s Cup with second-division sides Hercules and Rayo Vallecano defeating top-flight competitors in third-round, first-leg action.

Hercules, the Alicante team top’s the second division, defeat Osasuna 2-1 with goals from Cristian and Joseba del Olmo.

Meanwhile, Rayo grabbed its match against Mallorca by 2-1, who is currently fourth in la Liga, with Michel and Esteban Collantes hitting the goals during the first half of the game.

Afterward Thursday, Malaga beat out Getafe by 2-1 with first-half goals from Antonio Apono and Edinho. Malaga defender Milan Stepanov then ballsed up the party by scoring an own goal to give Getafe hope of turning the tie round at home.

The shocks had started when injury-hit Sevilla won 2-1 at opposing champions Barcelona.

On Wednesday, troubled Atletico Madrid thrashed 3-0 by second-division Recreativo Huelva, whereas Valencia crashed 2-1 at home to Deportivo Coruna.

In another match on the same day, Villarreal managed 1-1 at Celta Vigo, and Racing Santander won 3-2 at third-division part-timers Alcorcon.

The return legs of these ties will be played next week between Tuesday and Thursday.