Mighty Barcelona stroll into Copa last 16

BARCELONA: Pedro Rodriguez netted a first-half hat trick as Barcelona crushed third-tier Huesca 8-1 in the Copa del Rey, while Valencia joined the Catalans in the round of 16 after an eight-goal thriller with Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday.Celta Vigo and Almeria also advanced from a high-scoring night that saw 24 goals in just four matches.

Despite resting Lionel Messi, Neymar and several other starters, Barcelona proved way too much for Huesca to handle at Camp Nou and had no remorse about piling on the agony after winning the first leg 4-0.

Pedro headed in his first goal in the 20th and added a second six minutes later. Sergi Roberto volleyed in Barcelona's third in the 29th, Andres Iniesta struck in the 39th, and Pedro got his hat trick two minutes before halftime.

Adriano and Sandro Ramirez then scored either side of youngster Adama Traore's first goal for Barcelona's first team in the 78th.

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Carlos David scored Huesca's goal following a corner four minutes from time, steering the ball past goalkeeper Jordi Masip on his debut for Barcelona.

"It is difficult for me to imagine a better game than this," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said.

Barcelona will next play Elche or Valladolid.

Valencia twice came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 4-4 with Rayo and secure a 6-5 victory on aggregate.

Spain striker Paco Alcacer opened the scoring at Mestalla Stadium by finishing off a shot that hit the post in the eight.

Rayo, which had lost 2-1 at home in the first leg, roared back with three goals from Jozabed Sanchez, Alejandro Pozuelo and Jonathan Pereira by the 38th.

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Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo made three changes at halftime. The payoff quickly arrived when substitute Pablo Piatti's shot seconds after the break was turned into his own net by Rayo defender Jorge Morcillo to narrow the deficit.

Adrian Embarba put Rayo 4-2 ahead in the 61st, but Alcacer scored again by slotting home a rebound that had come off the upright in the 65th before Rodrigo Moreno completed the comeback five minutes later. – AP

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