Copa del Rey is a fine fixture on the calendar

Though some see it as unnecessary, I prefer the way Spain deal with their Copa del Rey fixtures. Once a week through January and the first part of February, all done and dusted before the resumption of the Champions League.

Yes, it’s congested and yes, it can throw up the odd unexpected injury, but the final aside, everything is decided; quickly and efficiently.

For the next two midweeks, the semi-finals will take place, and what a final four we have!

Leganes v Sevilla

It’s the first time ever that Leganes have made it to this stage of the competition. They did so after losing 1-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final against Real Madrid, with the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Most teams would’ve crumbled but Asier Garitano’s side deserved to go through on the night because they were simply better than their opponents in all facets. It was a stunning performance, which deserved the result it got.

Javier Eraso, Nabil El Zhar and Nordin Amrabat are a trio of attackers who will cause problems, and Sevilla’s patched-up back line, where only Gabriel Mercado and Sergio Escudero are assured of starting, will certainly have their work cut out.

One area the ‘cucumber growers’ do struggle, however, is putting the ball in the back of the net, and only 20 in the league this season is the worst of the top 13 teams.

The Andalusians have enough players in their ranks to dictate the pattern in both legs if given the chance.

Ever Banega, Nolito and Jesus Navas are all flourishing under new coach Vincenzo Montella, as is Steven N’Zonzi, who previously wanted a move.

With Wissam Ben Yedder a handful for any defender, Sevilla are a potent threat going forward at this point, so the team from south Madrid have to be disciplined.

Barcelona v Valencia

Eight consecutive semi-final appearances, three consecutive title wins: That’s the juggernaut that Valencia have to stop if they want to get into the final at the expense of holders Barcelona.

With Atletico Madrid in the league, the meat in this Copa sandwich, Marcelino will need to decide if, and how, he should rotate his staff. Clearly, at this stage, the Copa del Rey represents Los Che’s best chance of silverware.

But to put his eggs all in the same basket risks ruining the head of steam Valencia have built in La Liga.

A 4-1 loss to Real Madrid was tough to take, but they had enough chances at 2-1 down to come back, and the coach will be accentuating the positives before the first leg against the best defence in Europe.

Barcelona have passed every test set them this season and with Messi and Suarez in world-class attacking form at present, Marcelino’s defence will have to be focused throughout.

At least it will be a first choice back line with players returning from suspension at just the right time.

Philippe Coutinho could well shine for Barca in this one, whilst Valencia’s talisman, Goncalo Guedes, is likely to be missing after pulling up during the game against Real.

Espanyol follow this game for the Blaugrana, so the option to rotate is therefore in play for both sides.

To what extent will only be found out on Thursday evening, but one thing is assured; this will be a game for the purist and will showcase Spanish football at its very best.