Leganes vs Sevilla predictions and match preview for Saturday’s Spanish Copa del Rey 3rd Round game. Read on for analysis and a score prediction as Julen Lopetegui’s side travel to Madrid.
- DATE: Saturday 16th January 2021
- KICK-OFF: 20:00 (local time)
- STADIUM: Wanda Metropolitano
- COMPETITION: Copa del Rey 3rd Round
Leganes vs Sevilla Preview
Sevilla travel to the Wanda Metropolitano for the second time in four days to play Segunda outfit Leganés in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on Saturday. In an official statement made on Wednesday, Leganés announced that the game will be played at Atlético’s stadium due to the poor conditions of the pitch at Butarque, the home of Los Pepineros, caused by heavy snowfall in the Spanish capital last weekend.
This clash is a repeat of the semi final in 2018 when Vincenzo Montella’s Sevilla ran out 3-1 aggregate winners to reach the final. That season was by far Leganés’ best ever cup run where they also sensationally won 2-1 at the Bernabéu to knock Real Madrid out in the quarter final. Ultimately, it was Los Nervionenses who denied them a historic place in the final and so, revenge could be on the minds of José Luis Martí’s men on Saturday.
Sevilla went on to suffer the joint-heaviest loss in Copa del Rey finals history as they were trounced 5-0 by Barcelona. Incidentally, that final was also played at the Wanda. So, the Andalusians don’t have a particularly good record at Atleti’s ground having won only once there in six attempts, although that win did come in the Copa quarter final against the hosts in that very year of 2018.
Talking about Sevilla’s latest outing at the Wanda, they were swept aside 2-0 by league leaders Atlético in a rescheduled matchday 1 fixture on Tuesday. It was Julen Lopetegui’s first loss in 10 matches in all competitions and that meant his side remained sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Villarreal, although with a game in hand.
Five-time Copa del Rey champions Sevilla have had a fairly easy run in this season’s competition so far, avoiding any possible upsets. In the first round, they beat Tercera División opponents Ciudad de Lucena 3-0 and followed that with another comfortable 2-0 win at third-tier Linares Deportivo in the second round. It goes without saying Leganés are a tougher challenge this time and Lopetegui should have to name a strong eleven. Sevilla were eliminated by Segunda side Mirandés last season and they would desperately want to avoid another exit to lower-tier opposition.
Leganés’ journey to the round of 32 hasn’t been as simple as Sevilla’s. Los Pepineros had to rally to win in extra time against fourth-tier Ourense. The second round, however, was easier as two early goals were enough to see off Socuéllamos of the Segunda B.
Leganés have not played since that win last week because their match against Almería at the weekend was postponed due to the snowstorm in the Spanish capital. Sevilla have played twice since then and so, they have had considerably less rest than their opponents going into Saturday’s meeting.
José Luis Martí’s side are experiencing a poor run of form currently in the Segunda having failed to win any of their last four matches, scoring only once. That has seen them drop to sixth in the table, eight points behind the two automatic promotion places. It’s unfortunate for Leganés to not be able to play at the Butarque as they have been terrific at home this term with eight wins out of ten.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 2 Leganes Wins, 3 Sevilla Wins, 1 Draw.
- Sevilla won both meetings in LaLiga last season, including a 3-0 win at Butarque.
- The sides last met in the Copa del Rey in the 2017/18 Semi-Finals with Sevilla winning 3-1 on aggregate.
- Leganes have only won 2 of their last 12 matches vs Sevilla overall.
Leganes vs Sevilla Predictions
Score Prediction: Leganes 0-1 Sevilla
Not being able to play at the Butarque will certainly hurt Leganés’ chances of causing an upset. In their last 17 matches, Sevilla have only lost against strong opponents in the shape of Atlético, Real Madrid and Chelsea. The 1-0 loss to Eibar in October was the last time Sevilla faltered against a smaller team and Leganés don’t seem like a team who can repeat that. Leganés also aren’t a side to concede too many goals and a slender away win could be on the cards.
Copa del Rey Betting Tips (18+)
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