Madrid, Jan 4 (IANS) Reigning Copa del Rey holders Real Madrid fought back from two goals down to defeat Malaga 3-2 in the first leg of their last 16 Copa del Rey football tie.

Madrid trailed 0-2 at half time after goals from Sergio Sanchez and Martin Demichelis stunned the fans in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Xinhua reported.

However, coach Jose Mourinho reacted at the break, bringing Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema into the game and the changes brought about the desired effect.

Khedira created and scored Madrid’s first goal after 68 minute, before Gonzalo Higuain fired home with his left foot two minutes later.

Benzema put Madrid ahead 10 minutes from time to leave Malaga reeling. It was a just reward for a spectacular 45 minutes from the Frenchman, although a 1-0 win for Malaga next week would see them though on the away goals rule.

Albacete and Athletic Club Bilbao kicked off the night with a 0-0 draw in Albacete.

Albacete had already knocked Atletico Madrid out of the competition and although they failed to create chances against Athletic, they restricted their visitors to a first half shot from Andoni Iriola which bounced away off the post.

Another third tier side, Mirandes, took a huge step towards the quarter finals with a 2-0 win against Racing Santander. Racing are struggling in the BBVA Primera Liga and never looked like getting a result against the side that knocked Villarreal out of the last round.

Pablo Infarte and Martins scored in the first half for Mirandes and Racing never looked like getting back into the game.

Second division side Alcorcon also went closer to a surprise with a 2-1 first leg over fourth placed Levante. Borja Perez and Nagorre scored for Alcorcon, although Miguel Pallardo scored an away goal that gives Levante hope of reaching the last eight.

The return legs will be played next week.