Cup contests for Barça and Madrid

Contrasting fortunes
The clubs have endured contrasting fortunes of late. All-conquering Barcelona are looking for a 14th straight victory in all competitions against third division Zamora CF, although they have lost to opposition from that level in three of the past four years. Madrid, meanwhile, are desperate for some cup cheer after a poor run in the league but face a tricky opponent in Athletic Club Bilbao.

Van Bommel back
Barcelona have won the trophy on 24 occasions and are expected to be too strong for Zamora, the only lower league side through to this stage of the competition. However, the club have extended their stadium to allow 11,500 hopeful fans to see the likes of a fit-again Mark van Bommel, although Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho have not travelled.

Woodgate returns
Madrid's trip to Bilbao is the 203rd meeting between the clubs in official Spanish competition, the most common fixture in Spanish football history. Madrid had intended to include new Brazilian signing Cicinho in their squad but his registration is not yet complete. However, English defender Jonathan Woodgate returns after two months out with a hamstring injury. Forwards Ronaldo and Raúl González remain on the sidelines.

Six more matches
The remaining six first-leg matches will all take place tomorrow night including a derby between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF. Real Betis Balompié, who travel to RC Celta de Vigo on the same night, are the Copa del Rey holders having beaten CA Osasuna 2-1 in last year's final. Barcelona last won the trophy in 1998, while it is 13 years since Madrid enjoyed cup success.