Real Betis Balompié took the lead tonight in the first leg of the last 32 in Copa del Rey. The Green and White visited El Sardinero, home to Real Racing Club de Santander. The game also saw the homecoming of Quique Setién and Sergio canals to the city and club were they both started.

The game began well for Betis, as the team had the first chance just after the start. Kaptoum tried with a long-range effort that went just wide. It didn't take long for the team to score, though, as after six minutes, Inui was brought down inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Sergio León took the ball and sent the keeper the wrong way.

Racing tried to answer a couple of minutes later, but the effort from Jon Ander went high. So far, Betis were clearly in control of the possession, while the rival tried to press and counterattack. Halfway through the first half, the pressure by the home team started to work and they had some good plays but with no clear chances. The actually had a great one, but the back pass was intercepted by Edgar.

Former Betis player Cejudo tried with his left foot five minutes before the break, but Robles was well placed and saved it. The final minutes of the first half were for the locals, who were creating more danger at this point.

The second half began with a good chance to increase the distance in the score. Canales delivered a free kick from one of the wings and Bartra headed, but Crespo blocked it. However, the game continued in the same fashion of the first half. Real Betis were imprecise with the ball and Racing pushed forward. Betis managed to regain control and avoided this way the intentions of the rivals.

Setién began to make changes to stop the opponents and find the way to get to the other end with more clarity, bringing Guardado and Joaquín on. However, very close were Racing to tie the score up when a header from Jon Ander hit the post in the 74^th minute.

From that moment until the end, the most remarkable thing was the debut of Robert. The young Academy player left really interesting plays in the minutes he was on the pitch. He joined Edgar and Kaptoum, who were in the starting eleven and played their first official game with the senior team.

In the end, an open score that will be decided at Benito Villamarín.

Real Racing Club de Santander: Crespo, Buñuel, Óscar Gil, Castañeda, Puras, Sergio Ruiz, Quique Rivero (De Vicente 67'), Hidalgo (César Díaz 46'), Lombardo, Cejudo (Cayarga 61') y Jon Ander.
Booked: Hidalgo (42'), Buñuel (47').

Real Betis Balompié: Joel Robles, Barragán, Edgar, Bartra, Feddal, Tello, Kaptoum, Canales (Joaquín 70'), Inui (Robert 78'), Boudebouz (Guardado 62') y Sergio León.
Goals: Sergio León, pen. (7')
Booked: Feddal (17'), Boudebouz (52'), Kaptoum (74').

Referee: Eduardo Prieto Iglesias.