#copa-del-rey

#copa-del-rey

Kylian Mbappe has been at the heart of Real Madrid's attack as they lead third division side Talavera in the Copa del Rey. The Frenchman was at the heart of Los Blancos' opener, converting from the penalty spot to ease the nerves slowly rising inside the away camp. Talavera had been giving a good account of themselves, and even threatened to take the lead a couple of times, before Mbappe's strike.

Starting with the hosts, making a much-welcomed return to winning ways over the weekend as they dragged themselves to a 2-1 victory away at Almeria, Burgos find themselves at the heart of a shock Segunda play-off scrap. However, hit with consecutive 1-0 losses against Albacete and Ceuta on either side of opening December, Luis Miguel Ramis' men have shown some extended inconsistencies over the past few weeks.

Prediction: Sevilla to win 2-1 Alaves and Sevilla will lock horns with each other in the Copa del Rey this week. The Round of 32 tie between the two La Liga clubs will be held at Estadio de Mendizorroza and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Wednesday. Alaves Alaves are a modest but established club in la Liga.

With Atletico, obviously I'd like to win those titles. Why? Because the feeling of lifting a trophy is very beautiful, and I also want to leave a mark at the club. The truth is I feel very good [at Atletico]. They made everything very easy for me. Also, having many Argentine team-mates helps a lot in day-to-day life.

Tommy Marques has quietly become a familiar figure around Barcelona's first-team environment under Hansi Flick. The 19-year-old midfielder has been a constant presence in training sessions in recent weeks, regularly working alongside established senior players. Yet despite that growing exposure, his official first-team debut has so far remained out of reach. As Barcelona prepare to begin their Copa del Rey campaign against CD Guadalajara, there is a growing sense that the competition may once again serve as the perfect platform for youth integration.

Starting with the hosts, while Sporting Gijon might have found themselves at the heart of a worrying rut on either side of November's international break, Borja Jimenez's side have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion over the past fortnight. Last seen over the weekend putting in another gritty performance as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against Granada, Los Rojiblancos have found a route back into the play-off places.

Roony Bardghji produced one of his finest performances in Barcelona colours against Real Betis. Until then, he had shown flashes of unquestionable talent, but at Estadio La Cartuja, the 20-year-old winger confirmed that he is much more than just a prospect. The Swedish international not only scored a spectacular goal, but he also showed a natural connection with Lamine Yamal, indicating that he is ready to make a significant contribution in Hansi Flick's setup.

A victory for Barca would put one hand on the title that Real won last season, and cap a season of dominance for the Catalan club over their fierce rivals.

After winning the Copa del Rey, Athletic Club's massive celebrations may have impacted their performance, as enjoyed by players turned into a party rather than a focus on the next season.

"There's definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I'm very sorry for that. We played a very good game from the second half on..."