Atlético Calatayud booked their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey with a composed 2-1 away win at CD Baztan on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The Aragonese side handled a hostile cup atmosphere and a determined host team to advance from a tie that was far tighter than the final margin suggests.

The magic of the cup

Copa del Rey nights at smaller grounds carry a particular atmosphere, and this one delivered. CD Baztan, playing at home in the Navarre region, treated the occasion as a genuine opportunity, pressing high from the first whistle and forcing Calatayud into several misplaced passes in the opening exchanges.

The early pressure nearly produced a shock opener — a header from a corner was cleared off the line, and a shot from the edge of the area whistled narrowly wide. But cup ties are often decided by who takes their chances, and it was the visitors who struck first, Álvaro Cebrián finishing calmly after a quick transition caught Baztan's defence out of shape.

Baztan hit back, Calatayud respond

CD Baztan's equaliser arrived just before the break and was thoroughly deserved. Iñaki Erro drove into the box from the left and squeezed a shot under the goalkeeper at the near post, sending the home support into raptures and leveling a contest that had been building toward that moment.

Parity lasted less than fifteen minutes after the restart. Atlético Calatayud regained the lead through Sergio Villalba, whose low strike from distance skidded off the surface and beyond the diving keeper. From there, the visitors managed the game with genuine maturity, slowing the tempo and forcing Baztan to chase.

Key moments

• 19' — Álvaro Cebrián gives Atlético Calatayud the lead on the counter.
• 44' — Iñaki Erro levels for CD Baztan with a near-post finish.
• 58' — Sergio Villalba restores Calatayud's advantage with a strike from outside the box.
• 88' — Baztan's final chance is blocked in a goalmouth scramble.

Standout performers

Villalba's winning goal capped a strong all-round display in midfield, where his pressing and distribution kept Calatayud ticking. Cebrián's movement caused problems throughout, and centre-back Diego Andrés was commanding in the air during the closing stages. For Baztan, Erro was the standout, his directness a constant source of danger.

What it means

Knockout football rewards efficiency, and Atlético Calatayud demonstrated exactly that — two well-taken goals and a disciplined defensive block were enough to see off a spirited opponent. Progression in the Copa del Rey brings both prize money and the prospect of a memorable draw in the next round.

CD Baztan exit with their heads held high. They matched their opponents for long spells and produced a performance that will give them confidence as they return to league duties. In cup competitions, the margin between progress and elimination is often a single moment — and on this occasion, it fell the visitors' way.