Gareth Bale continued his comeback from injury with the opening goal as Real Madrid recorded an eventually comfortable first-leg Copa del Rey win at Numancia.
Bale hadn’t scored in Spain since September but hit a first-half penalty for his fifth goal of the season.
Numancia, fifth in Spain’s second division, had Pape Maly Diamanka sent-off on the hour mark.
Isco then scored another penalty and Borja Mayoral headed in a late third.
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Bale has been restricted to just six appearances in La Liga this season because of injuries.
Real will look to secure a quarter-final place next Wednesday, but holders Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Celta Vigo.
Ousmane Dembele returned from injury as Barcelona drew at Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey last-16 first leg.
The 20-year-old £96.8m summer signing came on for the final 20 minutes, his first outing since injuring a hamstring on 16 September.
Barca led through B team striker Jose Arnaiz’s finish from Andre Gomes’ low cross but Pione Sisto levelled and Iago Aspas hit the bar for Celta.
Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto also hit the woodwork for Barcelona.
The second leg at the Nou Camp is on Thursday, 11 January.
