The Copa del Rey has not been a major priority for Real Madrid in the past two decades, shown by the fact they've only won the tournament once since 1993. For a team chasing league titles and Champions League triumphs, a league cup is often pushed to the background. This season though, it appears that Carlo Ancelotti is pushing hard add the trophy to Madrid's collection.
Real Madrid vs. Espanyol, 2014 Copa del Rey: Preview and TV schedule
Real Madrid can claim a spot in the semifinals as they face Espanyol for the third time in January.
David Ramos
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Ancelotti has not backed off on his lineup selections for the tournament, even in this busy month with Madrid playing multiple games every week. In fact they’ve been on an absolute tear having not lost a match since their El Clásico defeat last year. It’s a superb run of form that has pulled them back into the title race and pushed them to verge of a Copa del Rey semifinal appearance.
Espanyol have played very well in their last two games against Real Madrid. The problem is that in neither game has their offense been able to generate anything and they've been undone by one moment of brilliance. A 1-0 deficit is hardly insurmountable and they have the bonus of any goals scored on Tuesday being away goals. Basically there's a chance for the Parakeets but they have to score some goal.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Sami Khedira (knee), Gareth Bale (leg), Raphaël Varane (knee).
Espanyol injuries and suspensions
Out: David López (hamstring).
Gareth Bale is out Tuesday with what’s being called a leg injury. The truth of the matter is that he took a full on kick to his “sensitive” parts in the first half of Madrid’s win over the weekend and he’ll need some time to recover.
Projected lineups
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Iker Casillas, Álvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Asier Illarramendi, Luka Modrić, Ángel di Maria, Jesé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema
Espanyol: 1Kiko Casilla, Rauúl Rodríguez, Sindei, Joan Capdevila, Héctor Moreno, Victor Sánchez, Abraham González, Gabriel Torje, Sergio García, Pizzi, Manuel Lanzarote
Match Date/Time: 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.), beIN Sports Play (Canada)
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