Casillas On Copa And Barcelona

Spain and Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas spoke on the club's progression in the King's Cup following their win over Alicante, he is also keeping one eye on Barcelona, who he refuses to rule out in any of this year's competitions.

Segunda division side Alicante caused the Spanish champions a fair bit of grief with fighting displays in both legs, but last minute goals in both legs put the tie beyond doubt.

Following the draw for the round of 16 and quarter finals, goalkeeper Iker Casillas - who was rested and replaced by backup stopper Jerzy Dudek for the game - has given his thoughts on how the competition will progress and the club's ambitions.

With only Primera outfits left in the competition, los Blancos have drawn Mallorca, and Casillas is refusing to take anything for granted.

"It is always complicated to face Mallorca," he said. "We must watch out because they made things difficult for us in the League."

"We also suffered against Alicante, a Second Division B side that played brilliantly, but now there's only First Division teams left in the competition and that's tough."

Madrid have a reasonably favourable draw; should they progress they will face either Getafe or lowly Levante in the quarter finals, while Barcelona and Sevilla face off against each other, Casillas is refusing to rule anybody out of contention this early on.

"No one knows what can happen. Sevilla and Barcelona are both strong sides," he insisted. "The former aren't as regular in the league as last year, while Barcelona are second on the table."

"Anything can happen in the King's Cup. The match will pitt the current King's Cup champions with one of the favourites to win. It will be a great round, especially for those of us who have avoided playing against both sides."

Casillas was especially unwilling to write off Barcelona, following the waves of negative press to hit Catalunia since losing against Madrid in front of their home crowd at the Camp Nou.

"They may win the Champions League... You never know," said Casillas, citing his own club's poor form at this time last year. "We were in the same situation last year. Betis kicked us out of the King's Cup, Bayern Munich eliminated us from the Champions League... We decided to focus on the League. No one knows what may happen."

Real Madrid's next game comes against Zaragoza, which will be their first game back in the league after the winter break.