Struggling Gimnastic boosted by cup tie against Real

Struggling second division side Gimnastic Tarragona were handed the plum tie of the round against Real Madrid after the draw for the last 16 of the King's Cup was made on Tuesday.

The Catalan side, playing in the second division for the first time in 21 years following their promotion last term, will enjoy a lucrative tie against Real who have set their sights on securing a cup victory to celebrate their centenary season.

For Real the Cup has taken on special significance as the final is due to be played at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium on the 100th anniversary of the club's foundation on March 6, 2002.

Giantkillers Figueres and Novelda will be disappointed that they do not have the chance to add any more top flight scalps to their collection.

The two third division sides -- who between them were responsible for the elimination of Barcelona, Osasuna, Valencia and Las Palmas -- have been pitted against each other.

Fellow minnows Ciudad de Murcia do, however, have a chance to record another upset as they face first division basement club Rayo Vallecano.

The third division club will be optimistic about their chances against the beleaguered Madrid-based side after defeating both Sevilla and Malaga in the last two rounds.

After the early knock-out rounds the competition now reverts to its traditional two leg format with the first leg to be played at the stadium of the lower-ranked side.