Malaga to oust holders Barcelona

23Jan 2013

Copa Del Rey

Christian Crowther previews all four televised Copa del Rey quarter-final second legs, predicting a shock exit for holders Barcelona...

Sevilla v Zaragoza, Wednesday 18.30, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Sevilla 1.46, Zaragoza 9.0, The Draw 4.7

After securing a 0-0 draw at Zaragoza in the first leg of this quarter-final clash, it appears to be very much advantage Sevilla. Despite scraping past Sevilla 2-1 at their own ground in La Liga, the visitors have not enjoyed visits to the Sanchez Pizjuan at all over the last few seasons . Zaragoza have been regularly tormented in fact, subjected to five consecutive defeats in which they have conceded an average of 3.6 goals, with the winning margin averaging three. In light of Sevilla's recent struggles, the difference might not be quite that heavy this time.

Recommended Bet: Back Sevilla to win by a two-goal margin @ 4.7

Valencia v Real Madrid, Wednesday 20:30, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Valencia 5.0, Real Madrid 1.74, The Draw 4.3

Valencia will be absolutely green with the sight of Real Madrid for the third match in succession, after sandwiching a 5-0 La Liga hammering between their 2-0 first-leg defeat at the Bernabeu and this return tie. Jose Mourinho's men doled out a 45-minute attacking masterclass at the Mestalla, with Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo the main protagonists with a brace apiece. It's difficult to foresee the hosts having much fight left in the tank.

Recommended Bet: Back Real Madrid to win to nil @ 3.65

Betis v Atletico Madrid, Thursday 19:00, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Betis 3.3, Atletico Madrid 2.4, The Draw 3.4

Atletico Madrid will be looking to build on a two-goal lead from the Calderon as they head to Betis. When the sides met in La Liga in Andalusia back in September, it was Diego Simeone's visitors who triumphed, winning 4-2 on that occasion with main man Radamel Falcao grabbing himself a brace. The Colombian ace is unavailable at present though and Atletico's last six games have all featured two goals or fewer.

Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.02

Malaga v Barcelona, Thursday 21:00, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Malaga 7.8, Barcelona 1.47, The Draw 5.0

This game pits together two more sides who have grown over familiar of late, renewing acquaintances for the third time in four matches. Malaga did brilliantly to earn a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou in the first leg, giving themselves a real chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. In fact, that result seemed to knock the Catalans out of their all-conquering stride, as Barca lost in La Liga for the first time this season at Real Sociedad in their following fixture, going down 3-2 with ten men on Saturday.

Recommended Bet: Back Malaga to qualify at 3.5