Madrid - Mallorca have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Spanish cup after beating Almeria 3-1 on Thursday, in a one-sided fifth round, first leg clash. The win has given embattled Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano a little breathing space, while at the same time providing the first setback for new Almeria boss Hugo Sanchez. Manzano's team are second from the bottom in La Liga.
Alhassane Keita had Mallorca in the lead after nine minutes, only to have Juanma Ortiz to level for Almeria just two minutes later.
Cleber Santana, on loan from Atletico Madrid, restored Mallorca's lead just before half-time, and the Brazilian set up Fernando Varela to make it 3-1 for the islanders in the 57th minute.
Israeli international Dudu Aouate, just signed from Deportivo Coruna, make a solid debut in the Mallorca goal.
"This tie is still not decided. Anything could happen in the second leg," said Varela.
In Thursday's other fifth round, first leg clash, Athletic Bilbao battled out a valuable late 1-1 draw away to local rivals Osasuna.
A goalless draw in chilly Pamplona seemed on the cards, until Uruguyan veteran Walter Pandiani made it 1-0 for Osasuna nine minutes from time after being set up by Krisztian Vadocz.
Pandiani's goal provoked Bilbao to come out of their defensive shell, and Spain striker Fernando Llorente made it 1-1 in injury time after Osasuna keeper Ricardo Lopez failed to hold a shot from Gaizka Toquero.
On Wednesday, holders Valencia had drawn 1-1 in Santander, while Sevilla beat Deportivo 2-1 and Betis won 1-0 in Irun.
Espanyol lost 3-2 to third division side Polideportivo Ejido; Sporting Gijon beat Valladolid 3-1.
On Tuesday, league leaders Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 away, with a majestic hat-trick from Argentine idol Lionel Messi.
The return legs will all be played next week.
