January’s whirlwind whistle-stop tour of Spanish cup fever has almost reached the end of its course, but as it arrives at the quarter-final stage, now the real fun can begin. 32 clubs began 2024 with dreams of lifting the Copa, but now only eight remain, with an intriguing set of matches to be played across this midweek.
Celta vs Real Sociedad, Tuesday
These two are no strangers to each other, having just faced off in LaLiga on Saturday. La Real’s young guns just about edged out an improving Celta, courtesy of former celeste Brais Méndez. But the Copa is an altogether different beast, and the home side will be quietly confident of making home advantage pay off. Only suffering one defeat in ten prior to the weekend, Rafa Benítez has finally dragged this talented team into life, and their impressive victory at Mestalla in the last round was the clearest example yet of the potential of this team. Already on their best run in the competition for seven years, Celta will fancy their chances against a La Real side looking tired and thinly spread.
Fun Fact: Greek striker Anastasios Douvikas (6) has scored more goals in this Copa than Real Sociedad (5).
Mallorca vs Girona, Wednesday
An intriguing match-up between two sides who few fancied to go far at the start of the season. Mallorca, despite winning only three league games this season, have only lost one of their last eleven matches in all competitions, a narrow defeat at the Bernabéu, so will be a tough nut to crack. However, Girona are the all-conquering revelation of the season, sweeping almost all who stand before them. Five against Sevilla on Sunday night without Aleix García, Girona will go into this as favourites to reach the final four. Some might argue Míchel should prioritise the league in pursuit of the impossible, but in reality, a top four place looks highly likely, so why not try and win a trophy to cement a historic season? Mallorca needed a last-gasp extra-time winner to get past Tenerife in the previous round, so Girona should have too much for them
Fun Fact: Their league meeting in September produced eight goals, as Girona won 5-3, so goals are almost guaranteed.
Athletic Club vs Barcelona, Wednesday
A fascinating clash with subplots galore and an atmosphere that will surely be hard to beat anywhere this week.
Athletic have been unable to beat Barça in the league since 2019 (we all remember that Aritz Aduriz goal), but domestic competitions have been a different story altogether. Three of the four clashes since then have gone the way of the Basques. First, there was the late Sergio Busquets own goal which saw Athletic win at the same stage en route to the final in 2020. Then, there was the dramatic Supercopa final in 2021, before Barça inflicted a heavy dose of revenge in the Copa final of that same season (4-0). Most recently, the sides met in the last 16 two years ago, with a magnificent Iker Muñian knocking out the holders in extra time. Ernesto Valverde hasn’t enjoyed much success facing his old club: Athletic have lost the three league games since his return by an aggregate of 6-0. The Copa in front of a raucous San Mamés offers a wonderful chance for Athletic to repeat past classic nights. As for the visitors, their win over Betis was much-needed, but Xavi knows this is his best chance of a trophy this season, and with Real Madrid already out the path has opened up. However, this was probably their least-preferred option from the draw, and will approach the game with some trepidation. Anything could happen, an absolute must-see!
Fun Fact: Asier Villalibre is joint-top scorer in the competition this season, with braces in each of the last three rounds.
Atlético Madrid vs Sevilla, Thursday
Would it be harsh to say this is the most one-sided tie of the round? A hapless Sevilla on the back of a hammering head to a ground that appears impenetrable. Atleti have forgotten what it is like to lose at home, and even Real Madrid have suffered multiple defeats there this season. Sevilla were there just before Christmas, only losing 1-0, but their previous visit ended 6-1. Álvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann have been magnificent this season, and will be in the mood to fire Atleti into the semis for the first time since 2017. Los Colchoneros have underperformed massively in this competition in recent years but having vanquished their rivals, they will be fired up to go all the way. One bright spark for Sevilla, however, is Isaac Romero. The young forward has scored their last three goals after breaking into the team. Having already scored 11 in 15 for the reserve side, he looks like a natural finisher and a talent worth building around.
Fun Fact: Sevilla have won five of their last eight Copa matches against Atleti, including the 2010 final and most recently both legs of the 2017/18 quarter-final.