The business end of the Copa del Rey has finally arrived, with only eight teams left and all from La Liga. Giantslayers Pontevedra and Ourense could not score against Getafe and Valencia, while Elche and Almeria were dismissed by Atletico Madrid and Leganes respectively. The big shock was that Athletic Club went away at home against Osasuna in a 3-2 thriller.
The quarter-finals will take place on February 4, 5 and 6, in a single leg, while the semi-finals will be played over two legs, with the first taking place on February 26 and the return on the 2nd. of April. The final will take place on April 26 in La Cartuja in Seville.
Barcelona's dreadful La Liga form could see them focus on the Copa del Rey as the seven-point gap to Real Madrid widens, despite looking formidable against Real Betis. Real Madrid were whistled by the home fans in a 5-2 thriller against Celta Vigo that went to extra time, but they will be confident again after a big win over Las Palmas.
Atletico is another team to come away with a surprise result, snapping a 15-match winning streak with a defeat to Leganes. For Los Pepineros, Valencia and Getafe, the Copa will be a distraction from their relegation battles, but also a chance to inject some positivity into their campaigns. Real Sociedad and Osasuna have a chance of a European spot, but the Copa could be another route to Europe – or glory.
Follow the draw live here:
Comments