Copa del Rey quarter-final draw: as it happened
A kind draw for both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the quarter-final match-up of the 2017/18 Copa del Rey as they face Leganes and Espanyol respectively. USA vs Mexico: FIFA Friendly live online
Both Real Madrid and holders FC Barcelona were handed kind draws today at the Spanish FA headquarters with Zidane's side pitted against CD Leganes, who have never reached this advanced stage of the competition.
Barcelona will have to overcome city neighbours RCD Espanyol in their quest to retain their title and maintain their impressive run in the Spanish cup.
The remaining two fixtures are potentially more intriguing with a intense rivalry between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla an added incentive in what is sure to be a tightly contested tie.
Last seasons beaten finalists Deportivo Alaves will need to overcome a strong Valencia side who despite a fantastic opening spell to the current LaLiga season have seen a recent dip in form.
First leg games will be held next week with LaLiga expected to confirm the kick-off times later today. The draw for the semi-final will be staged on January 26.
Copa del Rey quarter-final draw: as it happened
Copa del Rey quarter-final draw: preview
And then there were eight...It does have its detractors and it is certainly a competition loaded in favour of the "big sides" but now things get interesting.....
Following a lackluster Round of 16 that provided little shocks, eight LaLiga sides remain in the competition and we've reached the point of the competition when things clubs take the Spanish cup that bit more seriously and when managers field full-strength sides with the lure of a major trophy a tangible possibility.
Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Alaves had little trouble in making the last eight of the competition and they are joined by Leganes (who have never reached this stage of the cup before) and Espanyol.
The quarter-finals and semi-final games will be staged over the next coming weeks with the grand final set for April 21 at a venue yet to be decided.
