MADRID, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid and Sevilla seek the final place in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Atletico go into the quarterfinal game in their Metropolitano Stadium as clear favorites after beating Real Madrid 4-2 in a thrilling match one week ago, while Sevilla overcame their poor league form to win 3-1 away to Getafe.

The game sees Sevilla coach Quique Sanchez Flores return to face another of his former clubs as he also worked with Getafe. However, Flores will have to keep an eye on his side's form in the league.

Sevilla followed up their Cup win in Getafe with a 5-1 loss away to league leaders Girona on Sunday, which leaves them with just 16 points from 21 matches, just one point above the relegation zone.

Flores is likely to give another start to young striker Isaac Romero, who scored twice in Getafe and netted his side's goal at the weekend.

Atletico won 1-0 away to Granada on Monday night thanks to an Alvaro Morata header, and coach Diego Simeone will keep faith with Morata and Antoine Griezmann in attack, while fit-again Pablo Barrios has options to start in midfield, with Angel Correa offering pace off the subs' bench.

Simeone's only new injury problem is the knee injury suffered by Cesar Azpilicueta which could leave him out for the season.

Meanwhile, the club is busy in the transfer market, with left back Javi Galan, who only arrived from Celta Vigo in the summer, likely to join Real Sociedad on loan for the season.

Romanian international goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan is on the verge of completing a move from Rapid Bucharest, and the club are also closing in on a 30-million-euro deal for 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)