Sevilla reaching another level

Sevilla FC believe they are close to reproducing the form which won them two trophies last season going into the first leg of their Spanish Cup last-16 tie against FC Barcelona on Wednesday.

Goals
The holders, who also retained the UEFA Cup last term, swept aside city rivals Real Betis Balompié 3-0 in the Primera División on Sunday to take their tally to eleven goals from their last three outings in all competitions. "The team are in good form and are reaching the standards of play that we put on last season," said Serbian defender Ivica Dragutinović.

Fine recovery
An inconsistent start to the campaign, the death of midfielder Antonio Puerta and the change of coach from Juande Ramos to Manuel Jiménez did little to help their cause, but Sevilla recovered to qualify for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League and close to within three points of the European places in the league, while cementing their reputation as big-match specialists

Psychological boost
They will be deprived of influential duo Frédéric Kanouté and Seydou Keita who have joined up with Mali for the African Cup of Nations. Barcelona lose Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Touré for the same reason but have Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o for another week - a major psychological boost for a side struggling for form and confidence - while Ronaldinho (sprained left knee) and Deco (pulled left thigh) will miss the first leg. Cup winners 24 times, Barça have been unimpressive on their travels but visit the Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium with a morale-boosting 2-0 weekend triumph against RCD Mallorca under their belts.

Madrid ambition
Few surprises are on the cards from the other seven ties as it is the first time since 1968/69 that no teams from outside the top flight will compete at this stage. League leaders Real Madrid CF are keen to end a run of 15 years since their last cup triumph but face a tricky trip to 2003 winners Mallorca on Thursday. Nine-times winners Club Atlético de Madrid have targeted the Copa del Rey as one of their objectives and have home advantage for the first leg against promoted Real Valladolid on the same night.

Valencia struggling
On Wednesday, last season's finalists Getafe CF are at home to Levante UD and 2006 winners RCD Espanyol visit 23-times winners Athletic Club Bilbao. The 2005 victors Real Betis host a Valencia CF side whose only wins in their last ten games in all competitions were the home and away triumphs over third division Real Unión de Irún in the last round of this competition. RC Recreativo de Huelva are at home to Villarreal CF and Real Zaragoza, finalists three times in the last seven years, receive Real Racing Club Santander. The return legs will take place a week today.