Spain's big guns kick off new year

Spain's big guns are back in action tonight after ten days off for Christmas with FC Barcelona looking to bounce back from their league defeat against Real Madrid CF by beating CD Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.

Formality
Frank Rijkaard's side fell seven points behind the Primera División leaders after losing 1-0 at Camp Nou on 23 December and they will hope to put that disappointment behind them with a convincing home display against the third division club. Holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg a safe passage should be a formality, though the 2006 UEFA Champions League winners will be without their cup goalkeeper Albert Jorquera who is expected to be out for six months after tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee during the brief break.

'Difficult'
While Barcelona's place in the fifth round looks assured Madrid still have some work to do against third division Alicante CF, who were only denied victory at home in the first leg by Javier Balboa's added-time equaliser. "The game against Alicante is dangerous because they are having a great season, they are second in their league and made life difficult for us in the first leg," defender Miguel Torres said. Madrid have not won the competition since 1993, a run coach Bernd Schuster will be hoping to improve on after leading his previous club Getafe CF to the final last season.

Sevilla draw
Like Madrid, holders Sevilla FC were held by third division opposition in the first leg, drawing 1-1 at CD Denia. Among the other Primera División sides in action tonight, Villarreal CF lead UD Las Palmas 4-2, RCD Mallorca are 2-0 down against CA Osasuna and RC Deportivo La Coruña and RCD Espanyol face off again after drawing 1-1 at Montjuïc. Real Zaragoza were the only top-flight side to lose to third division opponents in the first leg, and they take on Pontevedra CF on Thursday looking to reverse a 1-0 defeat.