Substitutes save Real Madrid embarrassment against Malaga in Copa del Rey

Real coach Mourinho threw caution to the wind with a triple substitution after delivering a withering half-time team talk with his side trailing 2-0, calling them "rubbish."

Two of his replacements, Sami Khedira and Karim Benzema, and Gonzalo Higuain led the fightback, netting between the 68th and 78th minutes to turn the tie and spare Real's blushes.

"I told the players at half-time I would have changed all 11 if I could have," Mourinho said.

"I had considered making changes before the break but I don't like to do this. I asked them to clean up the rubbish of the first half."

The holders won thanks to Karim Benzema's strike 12 minutes from time, after Sergio Sanchez and Martin Demichelis put Malaga on course for a win in the capital with goals in the 10th and 29th minutes.

Sami Khedira (68) and Gonzalo Higuain (70) brought Jose Mourinho's team level before France forward Benzema netted the winner, although they still have a tough job on their hands to win the tie.

The winners will take on Barcelona in the quarter-finals if Pep Guardiola's men are able to see off Osasuna over two legs.

Third division Mirandes are on course for an upset after Pablo Infante Munoz and Mikel Martins gave them a 2-0 win over Racing Santander while Albacete, in the same division as Mirandes, held Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw.

Second-tier side Alcorcon - who famously knocked out Real Madrid two seasons ago, hold the edge against Levante after beating the top-flight side 2-1.

Borja Perez (13) and Nagore (52) scored the goals for Alcorcon, with Miguel Pallardo having equalised for Levante in the 23rd minute.

Third tier Mirandes, who knocked out Villarreal in the previous round, took a 2-0 lead over Racing Santander while another Segunda B side, Albacete, drew 0-0 with Athletic Bilbao.

Second division Alcorcon, who eliminated Real Zaragoza last month, grabbed a 2-1 win at home to high-flying Levante, who lie fourth in La Liga.