Another El Classico draw on the cards?
23 Jan 2013 1:45 AM GMT
The return legs of the quarter-finals of Spain’s Copa del Rey promise drama and the possibility of a Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona meeting in the semi-finals.
Real Madrid play in Valencia Wednesday night knowing they won 5-0 in the same stadium last Sunday in La Liga thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo and two goals from Angel Di Maria.
Jose Mourinho’s side protect a 2-0 lead and it would be a brave man who predicts Valencia will be able to turn that score around although coach Ernesto Valverde will make changes in central midfielder with the ineffective Fernando Gago dropped while he will also look to strengthen both full back positions.
The bad news for Valencia is that Spain international striker Roberto Soldado is injured for the game while Madrid’s only absences are the injured Pepe and the suspended Sergio Ramos.
Wednesday also sees Sevilla take on Zaragoza in a finely balanced tie after a 0-0 draw in the first leg. The match will be the first home game for new Sevilla coach Unai Emery, who has already led his side to two draws away from their Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Barca are in Malaga on Thursdayknowing they need to score at least one goal after the 2-2 draw in the Camp Nou last week.
Real Madrid play in Valencia Wednesday night knowing they won 5-0 in the same stadium last Sunday in La Liga thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo and two goals from Angel Di Maria.
Jose Mourinho’s side protect a 2-0 lead and it would be a brave man who predicts Valencia will be able to turn that score around although coach Ernesto Valverde will make changes in central midfielder with the ineffective Fernando Gago dropped while he will also look to strengthen both full back positions.
The bad news for Valencia is that Spain international striker Roberto Soldado is injured for the game while Madrid’s only absences are the injured Pepe and the suspended Sergio Ramos.
Wednesday also sees Sevilla take on Zaragoza in a finely balanced tie after a 0-0 draw in the first leg. The match will be the first home game for new Sevilla coach Unai Emery, who has already led his side to two draws away from their Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Barca are in Malaga on Thursdayknowing they need to score at least one goal after the 2-2 draw in the Camp Nou last week.
Next Story
