Last-eight places at stake

By Andy Hall

The identities of the last eight in this season's Copa del Rey will be known this week with the fourth round second-leg ties being played between Tuesday and Thursday.

Driving seat
Three Primera División sides are well placed to progress after comfortable victories last week. Club Atlético de Madrid, cup winners on nine occasions, welcome Segunda División B (or third division) rivals Lorca Deportiva CF after securing a 3-1 success in Murcia, while Real Betis Balompié gained an identical result from their visit to CD Mirandés.

Caparrós caution
The last time Sevilla FC lifted the trophy was 1948, when the competition was known as the Copa del Generalísimo. Joaquín Caparrós's team were 2-0 victors at RC Recreativo de Huelva and the coach is taking the return seriously. "It's logical to think we are already in the quarter-finals but we must approach this game with humility because an important prize is at stake." Sevilla defender Javi Navarro is suspended while Renato, Daniel Alves and Aitor Ocio are omitted for technical reasons. Uruguayan striker Darío Silva, however, makes a return.

Bernabéu decider
Real Madrid CF entertain Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabéu following last week's first leg which ended goalless. Home coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo is expected to rest several first-teamers but could hand new boy Thomas Gravesen a full debut, while Guti, Míchel Salgado and Iván Helguera recover from minor health problems.

Catalan duel
CA Osasuna host Getafe CF with a 2-0 advantage - striker Valentín Pachón is absent for the Madrileños. UAE Gramenet have a two-goal cushion against fellow Catalans UE Lleida, whose coach Miguel Rubio has warned that they are by no means out of the competition.

Giant-killing spree
There is evidence that there still could be surprises at this late stage of the tournament. Athletic Club Bilbao will be hoping the San Mamés factor can help them recover a 2-1 deficit against UD Lanzarote, although the islanders recall striker Maciot Dévora who was suspended for the first leg. Elche CF could also claim a top-flight scalp, provided they protect a 1-0 scoreline against CD Numancia. Forward Rafa Jordá, who has a broken cheekbone, is Numancia's only absentee.