FC Barcelona has tougher task ahead than Real and Atletico Madrid

FC Barcelona have a tough task ahead while other two La Liga clubs, Real and Atletico Madrid, had given relatively straightforward ties in the draw for the last 16 knockout football tournament.

Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez picked up an injury against Real Madrid Reuters

While the Spanish King's Cup or Copa del Rey title holders FC Barcelona have a more complicated task, other two La Liga clubs, Real and Atletico Madrid, had given relatively straightforward ties in the draw for the last 16 knockout football tournament.

Atletico Madrid was on Tuesday drawn to face third tier (Segunda B) side, Lleida. Although Lleida came back from 3-0 down on aggregate to qualify on away goals (3-3) against Real Sociedad in the previous round, Diego Simeone's side is clear favourites to progress, reports Xinhua news agency.

The return leg of that tie could also see striker Diego Costa return to action for Atletico Madrid as the club will be able to include him in their squad as of January 1.

Real Madrid will be pleased with their tie against Liga 123 side Numancia and although the side from the city of Soria left Malaga by the wayside in the last 32, they should present on paper few problems for Real Madrid.

Barcelona meanwhile has been drawn against Celta Vigo, who on Saturday drew 2-2 in the Camp Nou Stadium in the La Liga.

Celta reached the semi-finals of the Cup last season and are now coached by former Barcelona goalkeeper, goalkeeping coach and assistant coach, Juan Carlos Unzue, who knows the Catalan squad and players very well.

In the other ties, Formentera, who caused a sensation by knocking out Athletic Club Bilbao in the last round, have been rewarded with a tie against last season's beaten finalists Alaves.

Leganes meet Villarreal (who they beat 3-1 at the weekend), Cadiz are at home against Sevilla in an attractive Andalusian derby, Espanyol will play Levante and Las Palmas take on Valencia.

READ MORE