In the Copa del Rey fifth round first leg matches, Messi grabbed two goals as Barcelona overcame Córdoba 0-2. Sevilla look fairly comfortable after thrashing Mallorca 0-5 with goals from Negredo (2), Medel, Botía and Luna.
Atletico Madrid are in the driving seat after a 3-0 win over Getafe, Diego Costa (2) and Filipe Luis the scorers. Neighbours Real Madrid, however, still have it all to do after losing 2-1 at Celta. Bermejo and Bustos put Celta in front and Ronaldo scored a late consolation goal for Real.
Valencia overcame Osasuna 0-2 with goals from Dani Parejo and Soldado.
In the remaining matches, Eibar play Málaga on December 19th and the matches between Las palmas and Betis and Levante and Zaragoza take place on December 13th.