Atlético to make their bow in this season’s Copa

Club Atlético de Madrid start their defence of the Copa del Rey whilst on a roll, both in terms of play and results. Also, the fourth round sees an all Liga BBVA tie between Celta de Vigo and Athletic Club.

Athletic, who have an excellent record in the competition, will travel to Vigo on the crest of a wave, having recorded three wins on the spin in Liga BBVA. The sides met earlier this season in the new San Mamés, where the Bilbao outfit took all three points thanks to a stirring comeback

The winners and runners up of the last edition of the Copa del Rey will not want to slip up against their lowly opponents. Atlético de Madrid start their title defence against UE Sant Andreu without key players Thibaut Courtois, Joao Miranda and Juanfran Torres. For their part, Real Madrid CF kick off their campaign against CD Olímpic de Xátiva, a side who have prepared for the visit of their illustrious opponents, and will be hoping to use home advantage as they seek to cause a giant killing.

The match between Getafe CF and FC Girona stands out for the different situations both sides find themselves in. Whilst the Madrid side will be looking to carry their Liga BBVA form into the Copa, the Catalan team will be looking to end a run of negative results going back five matches in Liga Adelante.

Also, Levante UD will be looking top put league form aside as they take on Liga Adelante leaders RC Recreativo de Huelva, a game in which their manager Joaquín Caparrós has had a lot of success in in the past.