Real revival faces test against Cup holders Betis
The King's Cup probably provides Real Madrid with their best hope of silverware and the quarter-final first leg against holders Real Betis on Wednesday should show whether their early season slump is finally over.
The King's Cup probably provides Real Madrid with their best hope of silverware and the quarter-final first leg against holders Real Betis on Wednesday should show whether their early season slump is finally over.
A 5-0 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao in the last round and Sunday's 4-2 league victory over Sevilla have helped raise spirits at the Bernabeu.
However, a disappointing first half of the season means Real are still 13 points behind leaders Barcelona in the league.
"We are definitely on the up," striker Julio Baptista told Real's website. "Our hard work is paying off and now we have to keep following the same approach so that things will continue to improve."
"It's the Cup now and if we continue to play at this level I'm sure we'll reach the final."
Ronaldo and Raul are still injured so Baptista, fellow Brazilian Robinho and reserve team striker Roberto Soldado will be competing for the two berths up front against Betis.
The Andalucians, who beat Osasuna in the final last season, edged their way to an away goals victory over Celta Vigo in the last round.
Their morale was further boosted by a 1-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid at the weekend that lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Winger Joaquin looks to have shaken off a minor injury and should be available but Brazilian set-piece expert Marcos Assuncao is out with a muscle strain.
Cadiz host Espanyol in Wednesday's other first leg after notching up a second league win in a row at Malaga on Sunday.
They are likely to find it harder against the Barcelona-based side who snatched a last-gasp win at Real Sociedad and have been reinforced with the signing of Uruguay striker Walter Pandiani from Birmingham City.
Valencia will provide a stern test for Deportivo Coruna in Thursday's first leg at the Riazor.
Quique Sanchez Flores's side had little problem disposing of regional rivals Villarreal in the last round and extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches with their 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday.
Depor were dealt a surprise home defeat by basement club Alaves on Sunday and will need to improve markedly if they are to prise open one of the most miserly defences in the country.
League leaders Barcelona are not in action this week. They have to await the outcome of the rescheduled last 16 match between Real Zaragoza and a misfiring Atletico Madrid.
Zaragoza are favourites after their 1-0 win over Atletico in the first leg at the Calderon.