Copa del Rey Last 16 - 1st Leg Previews
Spanish football returns for 2018 this week following a short Christmas break. The last 16 of the Copa del Rey isn't always the most thrilling period of the season with most top flight teams rotating heavily. However the last round produced several huge shocks which at least means we have more lower league sides than normal at this stage with the likes of Lleida and Formentera hoping to dump top flight opposition out again to reach the Quarter-Final stage. With some high profile debuts and coaches taking charge of new clubs for the first time, there is plenty to keep an eye on.
The 1st Legs take place this week:
Wednesday
Lleida vs Atletico Madrid
Diego Costa and Vitolo are set to make their debuts for Atleti in this match. The duo signed in the summer but are only now eligible to play due to the club's transfer ban and the arrival of Costa in particular should give Atleti another much-needed dimension in attack. They should be too strong for third tier minnows Lleida who have gone 9 matches without a win in the Segunda B but miraculously managed to beat Real Sociedad 3-2 away to progress into this round.
Formentera vs Alaves
Of the four lower league teams remaining, Formentera perhaps have the best chance of reaching the Quarter-Finals. They beat Basque opposition in the shape of Athletic Bilbao in the last round and will fancy they can do likewise here against an Alaves side that is more focused on the battle to beat the drop in La Liga.
Las Palmas vs Valencia
Wednesday's only all top flight clash is likely to see both teams rotate their sides. Valencia are battling for a top four place in La Liga while Las Palmas are fighting relegation. This will also be Paco Jémez's first game in charge of Las Palmas after the former Rayo boss was made their third permanent head coach of the season just before Christmas.
Cadiz vs Sevilla
Cadiz have already dumped out Sevillan opposition with a thrilling 5-3 win at Real Betis in the last round. Faced with an another Andalusian derby here, they will fancy their chances of another upset with Los Gaditanos currently riding high in 2nd in the Segunda Division. It could be a tricky first game for new Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella who will have one eye on an even bigger derby against Betis on Saturday.
Thursday
Celta Vigo vs Barcelona
The tie of the round sees Celta Vigo, who knocked Real Madrid out of last season's Copa del Rey, take on Barcelona. With the 1st Leg at Balaidos it's a tough start to 2018 for the Catalans. However they are boosted by the return to fitness of record signing Ousmane Dembele, who could feature from the bench here.
Leganes vs Villarreal
Leganes beat Villarreal 3-1 in La Liga last month so they will take confidence from that but we are likely to see much changed sides here. Javi Calleja's men ended 2017 with two good away wins though and they'll be hoping to have some better luck with injuries this year. This is arguably the toughest match to call this week in the Copa del Rey.
Numancia vs Real Madrid
With La Liga, now looking destined for Barcelona, the Copa del Rey will take on extra significance for Los Blancos as they look to claim some domestic silverware this term. It's important they respond well following defeat in el clasico last time out and they should do that against a Numancia side that is currently 5th in the Segunda Division and saw off Malaga in the last round of this competition.
Espanyol vs Levante
It has been a disappointing season for Espanyol and Quique Sánchez Flores was starting to come under pressure prior to a shock win over Atletico Madrid in their final game of 2017. The Copa del Rey may offer them a welcome distraction from a poor league campaign and they start as favourites to see off a Levante side that has won just 2 of their last 14 games in all competitions.