Copa Del Rey Second Round Preview: Oviedo Host Real, Valencia Visit Alicante

With the exception of four matches, the Copa del Rey second round will be played on Thursday evening. Matches are over just one leg.

Real will look to put an end to a series of five matches without a win -three draws and two defeats between the Liga and the Champions League– when they face cash-strapped Real Oviedo who currently lie bottom of the Secunda division.

Neighbours Atletico had to come from a goal down on an artificial pitch to see off Lanzarote in the last round. They play Cultural Leonesa who knocked out Rayo Vallecano after extra-time in round two.

Valencia make the trip to Alicante having made it this far by the skin of their teeth. An under-strength side (Santiago Canizares and four other first-team regulars were touring China at the time) beat Gimnastic Tarragona on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Deportivo face Racing Ferrol on Wednesday, with Diego Trustan growing frustrated at his lack of first-team action. Perhaps he'll get a game in this one, as Irureta will want to keep Roy Makaay fresh for next week's crucial Champions League encounter in Milan.

In-form Mallorca travel to Hercules having made it past Gramanet in the last round courtesy of a late strike from Alvaro Novo. With many of the top clubs (the ones that are left) playing weakened sides in the competition, the islanders will like their chances of going a long way.

Elsewhere, Betis visit Palamos, Barcelona's conquerers Novelda entertain Terrassa, Numancia play Celta, and in one of the more intriguing ties of round two, Alaves visit Zaragoza.