King’s Cup, it’s domestic cup time in Spain too: defending champions Betis take the field.
As in Italy and England, the national cups take centre stage in Spain these days. January is the month in which international competitions usually go into the attic, so there is a rush to complete the various rounds, ensuring that only the semi-finals and finals are played in the spring.
The King’s Cup, last year won by Betis, has reached the round of 16. These are always dry matches: in the event of a draw in regulation time, extra time and penalty kicks are awarded. While waiting for Barcelona and Real Madrid, who until last Sunday were competing in the Spanish Super Cup played in Saudi Arabia, almost all the teams that made it to the top sixteen, including the defending champions, will take to the field on Wednesday 18. A week ago Manuel Pellegrini’s team in Arabia held off Barcelona (2-2) in the semi-final in Jeddah, forcing Xavi’s men into penalties. Apart from Juanmi and Carvalho’s mistakes from the penalty spot, Betis’ was another demonstration of strength from an ambitious group that wants to continue growing.
Against Osasuna, an opponent going through a good run of form, the green-and-whites are favourites in a match that should give at least two goals in total.
King Cup, Athletic and Atletico seeking redemption
The domestic cup represents an opportunity for Atletico Madrid, out of any European competition after their Champions League disaster last November. Diego Simeone’s Colchoneros also appear to be lagging behind in the title fight and the Copa del Rey becomes a way to make the season less anonymous.
Hermoso and Griezmann
For the red and whites there is Levante, a team that plays in the Segunda Division and is third in the table behind Eibar and Las Palmas. The Valencians are not to be taken lightly, not least because they eliminated Getafe by surprise in the previous round. Atletico Madrid should be able to get through the round, but it cannot be ruled out that they will concede at least one goal. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, could keep their goals unbeaten, and despite the derby defeat against Real Sociedad, they have collected numerous clean sheets in their home games, and the one against Espanyol will probably not be any less impressive. Also seeking redemption is Gennaro Gattuso’s Valencia, who came out of the Super Cup seven days ago losing on penalties to Real Madrid.
The Italian coach will make a turnover, but victory should still come against Sporting Gijon in a match in which the Asturians are also likely to find the way of goal.
King’s Cup: possible winners
- Valencia (in Sporting Gijon-Valencia, 7pm)
- Athletic Bilbao (in Athletic Bilbao-Espanyol, 20:00)
- Betis or draw (in Betis-Osasuna, 21:00)
