Madrid  - Spanish cup holders Valencia were relieved to escape with a 1-1 draw away to Racing Santander on Wednesday, in a lively fifth round first leg clash.

Valencia, who beat Getafe 3-1 in last season's final, had Vicente and Miguel sent off in the dying minutes, when Santander came close to winning.

Valencia had taken the lead in the 38th minute, when Santander veteran Gonzalo Colsa headed a Manuel Fernandes corner into his own goal. From then on, the hosts were in the driving seat, with Valencia content to soak up the pressure and play on the break.

Five minutes into the second half, Santander were given a penalty for a naive foul by Miguel on Jonathan Pereira, but Ezequiel Garay, on loan from Real Madrid, hit the Valencia crossbar with his spot- kick.

Seven minutes later Mehdi Lacen made it 1-1 with an exquisite free-kick.

Valencia keeper Renan needed to make sharp saves towards the end, to keep rampant Santander at bay.

Vicente and Miguel were given their marching orders in a frenetic finale, and the holders were relieved to hear the finale whistle.

"A draw is not really a bad result," said Valencia defender Carlos Marchena. "In the circumstances, though the return leg will not be easy for us."

Sevilla, meanwhile, were threatening to wipe the floor with Deportivo Coruna - but had to settle for a 2-1 win in the end.

Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute put Sevilla 2-0 ahead, only for Deportivo's Omar Bravo to net what could turn out to be a crucial away goal 10 minutes from time.

The surprise of the night was a 3-2 win for third division Polideportivo Ejido against troubled Liga side Espanyol, who had midfielder Moises Hurtado sent off.

Sporting Gijon turned in the performance of the night to beat Valladolid 3-1, with David Barral scoring twice.

In Wednesday's other fifth round first leg clash, Betis battled out a 1-0 win away to Union Irun, who had beaten Real Madrid in the fourth round.

On Thursday, Osasuna play hosts to Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca take on Almeria.

On Tuesday, Liga leaders Barcelona had romped to a 3-1 win away to Atletico Madrid, with Lionel Messi putting away a handsome hat-trick. (dpa)