Real hoping to avoid another Copa upset after drawing Leganes
MADRID, Dec 13, (RTRS): Real Madrid will be hoping to exercise a few ghosts in the Copa del Rey last 16 after they were drawn to face local rivals Leganes on Thursday.
The small side from southern Madrid caused a huge upset as they knocked Real out of the competition at the quarter-final stage last season, winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu – their first ever victory at the stadium – to advance on away goals after the first leg had finished 1-0 to Real.
Elsewhere Atletico Madrid will face Girona, a side coach Diego Simeone has never beaten, drawing all three meetings with the Catalans in his seven years at the helm.
Holders Barcelona will face Levante, while Athletic Bilbao take on Sevilla in the pick of the round.
The draw in full: Real Madrid v Leganes, Getafe v Valladolid, Betis v Real Sociedad, Levante v Barcelona, Athletic v Sevilla, Sporting v Valencia, Girona v Atletico Madrid, Villarreal v Espanyol.
The first legs will be played on Jan 9 and the returns a week later on Jan 16.
Former Real Madrid and Brazil forward Ronaldo has opened up about his decision to purchase Spanish side Real Valladolid earlier this year.
The former FIFA world player of the year purchased a 51 per-cent stake in the club in September and admits it was a perfect fit from the off.
“I was looking for something to do for two years, I looked for a team to buy in Spain and England, and Valladolid was like a gift,” he said.
“Not only is it a club with 90 years of history behind it, it’s a city with 300,000 inhabitants and is a place that breathes football and all this means it has huge potential.
“To be able to inspire people is better than score a hat trick against Barcelona. I found exactly what I wanted and I’ve got a lot to give them, too.”
The Brazilian also gave his backing to La Liga’s quest to play a game in the United States, which collapsed earlier this week when Barcelona pulled out of the game due to a disagreement between the organizing parties.
“Playing abroad is aligned with our project. You need to be known both at home and abroad. I’m in favour, but our fan base will decide in the end,” he said.
“It’s an interesting proposition for our club and our brand.”
Meanwhile, he confessed that he is trying to use his contacts at former club Real to secure some signatures, not least that of Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian teenager, on loan.
“I’ve asked Florentino Perez if we can have him, but I think it might be difficult!”