Real Sociedad, winner in 2020, seeks to repeat the cupbearer dream
MADRID, 16 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, which continues to be a single match, kicks off this Tuesday with duels between Real Sociedad and RCD Mallorca, on the one hand, and between Deportivo Alavés and Sevilla FC on the other, two duels with two clear favourites, on paper, although with potential victims who are receivable.
Real Sociedad receive Mallorca at the Reale Arena. The people from San Sebastian won their third and last Copa del Rey title in 2020, in a derby against Athletic Club, and they are looking to repeat that feat in a year in which they are playing great football.
In front of their public, the ‘txuri-urdines’ want and must take advantage of the opportunity to stand in the quarterfinals. They are third in LaLiga Santander, 6 points behind the leader Barça although with one more game. And they receive a Mallorca that, tenth in the First Division, arrives ready to surprise.
The Balearic Islands are also part of the list of winners of the competition, which they won in 2003 in an unprecedented final against Recreativo de Huelva. And, twenty years later, it would be a dream to repeat the title. Hence, they go to Donostia with enthusiasm, although knowing how complicated it will be to assault the historic Anoeta.
For now, Real Sociedad beat Logroñés (0-1) in the round of 32, with a goal from Robert Navarro on 33′. Those of Imanol Alguacil resolved by the minimum but without suffering in Las Gaunas, with unfinished warnings from Sorloth and Brais Méndez. Easier was the 0-5 against Coria, in the Second Round and with a double by Jon Karrikaburu, on loan to Leganés in this winter market.
For their part, RCD Mallorca did have some problems beating Real Unión de Irún (0-1) in that Second Round, with a solitary goal from Dani Rodríguez. And something lighter happened in the round of 32, against Pontevedra (0-2), but with even more trouble as they needed extra time and saw the goals from Abdón Prats and Muriqi.
There are three non-First teams left alive, including Deportivo Alavés, who face a Sevilla that is still looking for change in this Cup. The Andalusians, in the relegation zone in LaLiga Santander, visit an Alavés who is fifth in Mendizorroza in LaLiga SmartBank, in the ‘play-off’ zone.
The sevillistas are third from bottom and not even the change of coach is serving to get out of that well. Incomprehensible situation in Seville, accustomed in recent years to fighting in the lead and winning European titles, although the last Cup was drunk in 2010.
The victory against Linares (0-5), in the round of 32, and Juventud Torremolinos (0-3), in the Second Round, have brought Sevilla to this match, in which they face a Second with the will to stay alive and gain confidence, looking for a turning point in this bad season and an improvement that will be transferred to LaLiga.
But Alavés also knows that they can take advantage of the opportunity to delve into the Seville wound. The ‘Glorious’ has so far beaten Lleida (0-1), Mérida (0-1) and Valladolid (1-0). Three goals of great qualifying value, and a fourth goal would be enough to account for another Primera.
