The Catalan club, who compete in the fourth tier of Spanish football, booked their place in the Copa del Rey with a strong performance in the Copa Federacion de Espana.

They beat Ibiza Islas Pitiusas, San Juan and Ejea to secure their place in the semi-final and seal their spot in Spain's main cup competition.

Since cruising to a 3-0 victory over Ejea earlier this month, Badalona have gone on to win a semi-final tie against UD Logrones after extra time, securing their place in November's final against either San Roque or Talavera.

Badalona have also enjoyed a successful start to their league campaign, having lost just one of their nine matches to leave them in third place, ensuring that they take some confidence into Wednesday's cup tie.

Cadiz's Roger Marti celebrates scoring their second goal with Lucas Pires and Ruben Sobrino on October 1, 2023 © Reuters

Cadiz may welcome the distraction of a cup tie after failing to win any of their last seven league games since beating Villarreal on September 1.

Sergio Gonzalez's side would have been hoping to end their wait for a victory on Saturday when they stormed into a two-goal lead inside the opening half-hour against fellow Andalusian club Sevilla thanks to efforts from Chris Ramos and Darwin Machis.

However, Lucas Ocampos pulled a goal back in the 37th minute to give Sevilla a foothold, before experienced midfielder Ivan Rakitic levelled the scoring on the hour mark, ensuring that the contest finished in a 2-2 draw.

That result took Cadiz's tally for the season to 10 points from 11 games, leaving them in 14th place and four points above the bottom three.

While the top-flight side will go into Wednesday's cup tie as the clear favourites, they will be wary of their lower league opponents after being eliminated in the first-round of last season's competition by third-tier Real Union, who claimed a 3-2 victory courtesy of a stoppage-time winner.

CF Badalona form (all competitions):

Cadiz form (all competitions):

Team News

Cadiz coach Sergio Gonzalez reacts on February 19, 2023 © Reuters

Badalona could make a couple of changes to the side that beat Formentera at the weekend, with Jaume Pascal and Juan Segura both in contention to start.

After scoring the winner in Sunday's 1-0 victory, Edgar Hernandez is expected to lead the line against Cadiz in Wednesday's cup tie.

As for Cadiz, Gonzalez is still unable to call upon Luis Hernandez, Fede San Emeterio and Brian Ocampo, while Momo Mbaye is a doubt after failing to make the last two matchday squads.

Robert Navarro missed the draw with Sevilla through suspension, but the Real Sociedad loanee could be included in the starting lineup for the midweek encounter.

Gonzalez may take the opportunity to give a number of his fringe players a chance to impress, with David Gil, Joe Zaldua, Alex Fernandez, Victor Chust, Ruben Sobrino and Sergio Guardiola all likely to feature.

CF Badalona possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Cortes, Espinola, Fornes, Pedraza, Roig; Pascual, Segura, Pinol, Thior, Hernandez

Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Gil; Zaldua, Mere, Chust, Pires; Alejo, Escalante, Fernandez, Sobrino; Gomez, Guardiola

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We say: CF Badalona 1-3 Cadiz

Cadiz have only managed to pick up two wins in 11 league games, but even though they may be low on confidence, we think that the top-flight club have far too much quality in their squad for their fourth-tier opponents.

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Top tip

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Written by
Ben Sully