Minnows get chance in last 16 of Copa del Rey

Sides from the lower categories of Spanish football will have their moment of glory when the Copa del Rey knockout competition enters the last 16 phase this week. The knockout competition of Spanish football is played over two legs with the first of those matches held over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The last 16 has the added interest that should they win their respective rounds, Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet in the quarter finals, but theirs are not the only games of interest. Third tier (Segunda B) teams Mirandes and Albacete have the chance to repeat their success against top flight opposition from the previous round. Mirandes, who knocked out Villarreal, face struggling Racing Santander, while Albacete, who defeated Atletico Madrid, take on Athletic Club Bilbao. Athletic are waiting on the fitness of striker Fernando Llorente, who is still struggling with a knee problem. They all play on Tuesday, as do second division Cordoba, who entertain Espanyol. Wednesday sees all BBVA Primera Liga clashes between Real Sociedad and Mallorca, while there is a fascinating tie between Valencia and Sevilla. Second division Alcorcon take on this year's surprise package, Levante, while reigning Cup holders, Real Madrid face Malaga, who they have already beaten 4-0 in the league. FC Barcelona end the games at home to Osasuna on Thursday night. Osasuna will no doubt remember the 8-0 mauling they suffered in the Camp Nou earlier this season in the league, as well as their 7-1 thrashing from the Santiago Bernabeu.