Evening all! Our Copa del Rey coverage kicks off this evening with a fascinating clash between Real Zaragoza and Sevilla. If last night’s action is anything to go by, with Real Madrid overcoming Valencia 2-0 in the first leg of the opening quarter-final, then we will be in for a real treat. These two sides also have the added bonus of knowing that they will not face either Barcelona or Real Madrid in the next round.

However, it will be far from plain sailing to the final with the winner of this tie set to face the winner of the clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, which takes place on Thursday, which we will also be covering on Sports Mole. The other semi-final will be contested between Real Madrid/Valencia and Barcelona/Malaga.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Zaragoza were victorious the last time the two clubs met in October 2012. However, that was their only win in their previous five against Sevilla. That said, each of the last five matches have been closely contested and with neither side in particularly good form, it really is anyone’s guess who are the favourites.

Let’s take a look at how both sides are faring in the league this season. Zaragoza have won just one of their last three La Liga fixtures, a run of form that has left them in 13th in the table. They are just five points from the relegation zone, but also within three points of the top half which demonstrates the closeness of the table at this stage of the season.

Sevilla have also struggled in recent weeks. They sit just one place above Zaragoza, but with the same amount of points (22). They have won just six of their 19 league matches this season despite being mooted as challengers for the top four at the beginning of the season. It would probably be fair to state that their star players have not performed in this campaign thus far.

TEAMS:

ZARAGOZA: Franco; Paredes, Sapunaru, Abraham, Alvaro; Movilla, Wilchez, Apono, Javi; Postiga, Victor

SEVILLA: Palop; Maduro, Navarro, Spahic, Fazio; Coke, Rakitic, Medel, Navas; Reyes, Negredo

Right, let’s take a more in-depth look at how both have performed in Spain’s top division. Sevilla are currently 19th in the form table with just four points from the last 18 on offer, while Zaragoza are 12th having collected seven points in the same period. To put that into context with the rest of the division, Barcelona top the table with 18 points and Celta Vigo sit bottom with four.

In terms of the attacking threat, Zaragoza have scored just 21 goals in their 19 league matches, but Sevilla have fared slightly better with 23. Down the other end, the statistics are even with both conceding 28 goals. However, Sevilla have kept five clean sheets in contrast to Zaragoza’s two. Whether those facts effect tonight’s encounter remains to be seen.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side enters the match in a particularly good run of form, but I think Zaragoza may shade the first leg on their home patch. A reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg taking place next week.

Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let me just remind you of the main team news this evening. Zaragoza name a strong side with Helder Postiga joined in attack by Victor Rodriguez, while Javi also starts. Sevilla are also at full strength with Alvaro Negredo gaining support from Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes.

Here we go then. Tonight's referee is Fernando Teixeira. Let's hope that we are discussing the match and not the officials come the end of the evening. A reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Barcelona against Malaga. The away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.

Sevilla have an awful away record this season having won just once in the league. However, they have made a decent start to proceedings in this match with Jesus Navas and Coke enjoying early touches of the ball. The latter attempts to find Negredo with a searching pass, but Abraham comes out to clear the danger.

The away side continue to enjoy a spell of early pressure as Ivan Rakitic fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Paredes rises highest to clear the danger. The pressure remains as Fazio forces a throw, but a poor ball from Negredo allows Franco to collect. Javi attempts to attack down the other end as he darts into the box, but the danger is quelled by Navarro.

Slightly untidy period of the match with neither side able to gain any sort of real possession in midfield. Sevilla continue to look the side more likely to attack in a wide position, but Zaragoza, in the shape of Apono and Wilchez, have failed to come to terms with the midfield battle thus far. Six minutes on the clock and the score remains 0-0.

Half-chance for Sevilla as Navas drives down the right before finding Reyes on the edge of the box, but the winger cannot sort out his feet in time and the chance is quickly gone. You just get the feeling that the away side need more from those two in particular if they are to enjoy a successful end to the season. Nothing much from Zaragoza as an attacking threat thus far.

Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but the supporters are attempting to create an atmosphere in the early stages of the match. It has not been a classic thus far which chances very much at a premium. Neither side will want to commit too many players forward in fear of the threat on the counter.

First sign of a threat from Zaragoza as Wilchez fires a searching cross into the penalty area towards Negredo, but Palop is out to punch the ball clear of the box. The pressure remains as Movilla combines with Javi before finding Victor out wide, but the Spaniard is forced back into traffic and the danger is cleared.

The referee is not really helping proceedings at the moment as he continues to award free kicks for little or no contact. There is a danger that it could turn into that type of match with both sets of players hitting the deck on each opportunity. Javi attempts to find Postiga in the Sevilla box, but Spahic is big and strong and heads clear. Meanwhile, it appears that Negredo could have a problem here.

Again Sevilla pass and probe around the edge of the Zaragoza penalty area with Medel not shy in joining the attack in the final third. However, the home side's defence has remained nice and compact thus far to clear the danger on each occasion. Negredo does indeed continue, but we are still waiting for the first real chance of the match.

Zaragoza launch an attack on the counter as Javi bursts down the right before finding Apono, but the Spaniard's effort was always moving wide of the post. That is just about as close as they have come inside the opening 18 minutes. This match badly needs a goal, just a reminder that nothing will be decided tonight with the second leg taking place next week.

Sevilla force a half-chance down the other end as Rakitic fires a searching cross into the penalty area, but Franco is out to collect and start a counter for Zaragoza. But once more, it breaks down with Apono unable to find the final pass. It has been really sloppy with both sides exchanging possession in the midfield area. Quite a contrast from the attack between Real Madrid and Valencia last night.

The away side continue to look the most likely as they force two corners in quick succession, but neither comes close to opening the scoring with Coke striking an effort into the ground from the latter. Neither team has made use of set pieces in the opening 22 minutes of football. A reminder that away goals count double in the Copa del Rey.

First bit of real quality from either side as Reyes slips a pass through to Negredo, who finishes with ease. However, the offside flag was raised with replays confirming that the Spaniard was just past the final defender. At least we have had some sort of attacking action, hopefully that will wake both teams up for the reminder of the match.

Another break in the match as Sapunaru falls to the ground clutching his leg under the challenge of Negredo. However, one moment later he is up and sprinting towards a loose ball. Funny that. The referee is not helping matters as he continues to break up the tempo by awarding free kicks. Neither team has had a meaningful attempt on goal thus far.

Reyes attempts to inject some pace into proceedings as he picks up possession before driving down the left, but he is felled by Abraham. The resulting free kick from Rakitic forces a corner, but the delivery from the Croatian is poor as it fails to beat the first man. The away side certainly look the side more capable.

Again Sevilla threaten to open the scoring as Reyes finds Negredo behind the Zaragoza defence, the striker collects before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. That it wonderful play from the Spanish forward. They deserve to be in the lead there is no question about that.

A reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Nou Camp as Barcelona welcome Malaga in the first leg of their quarter-final clash. The winner of that tie will face either Valencia or Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the winner of this tie will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Betis, who will clash on Thursday.

Another chance for Sevilla to whip a dangerous cross into the penalty area as Wilchez fells Navas. The resulting free kick is taken by Rakitic, but once more his delivery is way short of what is expected and the danger is cleared. It just has to be better at this level. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.

Postiga continues to fight a losing battle for Zaragoza as another long ball is headed clear by Fazio. Unai Emery will certainly be happy with his side's performance until this point. That's not to say that they have peppered the Zaragoza goal with efforts, but they have certainly played the more productive football. The score remains 0-0 with around 10 minutes of the half to play.

Half-chance for the home side as Apono picks up possession before firing an effort towards goal, but it drifts well wide of the target. Postiga's look says it all as he glares towards his teammate. That look just about sums up their first-half performance. That said, a 0-0 draw would not be the worst of results for either side this evening.

Sevilla have just gathered control once more as Rakitic fires another cross into the box, but Maduro heads wide of the target when he perhaps should have scored. The pressure remains from two corners in quick succession, but Franco quells the danger on each occasion. Meanwhile, the sloppy challenges continue to fly in.

The match has just drifted into an untidy period once more with both teams guilty of handing away a host of free kicks in the opposing half. Zaragoza attempt to raise the tempo as Postiga combines with Javi before slipping a pass towards Victor, but it never had enough pace to reach its desired target.

The tempo continues to fade as another free kick is awarded to Sevilla for a foul on Spahic, but moments later the defender appears to have returned to full health. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. Bar a late showing, the two sides will enter the break level.

So there we have it. In truth, it was a half that I expected. Neither of these teams has been in good form of late and a 0-0 score does certainly reflect the opening 45 minutes of football. Let's hope that things liven up in the second period.

Sevilla have certainly enjoyed the most of the little chances that we have had thus far, but aside from a couple of efforts from Negredo, neither side has really threatened to open the scoring. In terms of Zaragoza, I think Postiga has given away more fouls than he has had touches of the ball.

Let's just have a quick look at the benches this evening. Zaragoza have Paco Montanes and Jose Mari in reserve and I would expect to see both at some point in the second period. Meanwhile, Sevilla have a host of attacking options with Manu joined by Diawara and Javi Hervas.

Just a final reminder of what we have to come this evening. Following the completion of this match we have action from Barcelona against Malaga. Tomorrow the Copa del Rey action continues as Atletico Madrid welcome Real Betis to the Spanish capital. Right, the second period is just moments away.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, although I would expect that to change should the score remain the same as the half develops. Zaragoza get the action underway.

Sevilla start the second period on the front foot as Medel combines with Negredo before firing a low cross into the box, but Reyes just cannot make contact and the danger is cleared by Abraham. Postiga attempts to collect down the other end, but it is the same old story as the experienced striker is immediately surrounded by two defenders.

Again it's good pressure from the away side as Coke wins a throw for his Sevilla deep in the Zaragoza half, but Alvaro Gonzalez is on hand to clear the danger from the outside of the box. First real sign of attacking pressure down the other end as Sapunaru darts into the box before striking an effort at goal, but Palop is more than equal to the danger.

That last attack has certainly raised the atmosphere inside the stadium as the home supporters start to make their voices heard. It seems to have lifted the players as well as they create another half-chance for Apono, but he loses possession outside the box. Navas finds a cross towards Negredo down the other end, but it is just too high for the striker.

Sevilla have just taken control of proceedings once more as they enjoy an extended period in the Zaragoza half. A half-chance arrives as Navas darts down the right before firing a low cross into the box, but Negredo cannot find a finish under contact from Paredes. Based on the match thus far, I would not be surprised if this remained 0-0 this evening. A reminder that nothing will be decided tonight with the second leg to come next week.

Once more the match has just become slightly untidy with both teams giving away a host of fouls in the opposition half. Sevilla are the only side on the pitch interested in scoring this evening. On the whole, a 0-0 draw would not be a terrible result for either side. A reminder that away goals count double in the Spanish cup.

Sevilla continue to dominate possession as they pass and probe outside the Zaragoza penalty area. However, the fact that neither goalkeeper has been forced into a single save tells you everything that you need to know about the opening hour of this match. Let's hope that the final 30 minutes or so brings some attacking excitement.

Zaragoza make their first change of the match as Edu Oriol replaces Wilchez, who has struggled this evening. The Spaniard has around 30 minutes to have an influence on proceedings. Navas remains a threat down the other end as he fires a low cross into the box, but Reyes's effort is blocked by Abraham.

Another late challenge arrives from Medel as he fells Postiga outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by the Portuguese striker, but his effort is straight at Palop who pulls a save off for the cameras as he pushes the danger for a corner. That has certainly raised the volume inside the stadium.

Still no movement on the Sevilla bench which is not all that surprising with the way that they are controlling this match. You just get the feeling that Navas will have a say as players begin to tire in the latter stages. A goal at this point would make the away side big favourites ahead of the second leg.

Postiga's frustration continues as he gives away another foul in battling for the ball with Maduro. That just about sums up his evening. Meanwhile, Emery has a few words with the referee as Navas is ruled offside once more. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining in this match.

With respect to both of these teams, I don't think Atletico Madrid or Real Betis will be too worried in the semi-finals. That is the problem with two-legged affairs, however, you are never really sure what is a good result. Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho once famously stated that a 0-0 draw at home is a good result. Who am I to argue?

Another half-chance for the away side as Reyes picks up possession outside the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Still no movement on the away side's bench. Victor has a long-range strike down the other end, but Franco is on hand to deal with the danger.

Suddenly the match has just livened with Navas driving down the left before firing a low cross into the area, but Negredo cannot make proper contact and it moves behind for a goal kick. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the evening as Montanes replaces Victor. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.

Decent pressure from Zaragoza in the last few moments with Apono and Postiga combining outside the penalty area, but Fazio comes across to clear the danger at the vital moment. Sevilla attempt to threaten down the other end with Navas, but the Spanish winger is stopped in his tracks by Paredes. We are still no closer to the opening goal of the evening.

Just some team news from tonight's match between Barcelona and Malaga. I can confirm that Lionel Messi starts for the home side. Right, back to matters here. Sevilla make their opening change of the evening as Reyes, who has been poor this evening, is replaced by Manu del Moral. Is there a winner in this match? It would have a huge effect on the tie either way.

The goal does almost come as Negredo collects a pass from Navas before turning and striking an effort towards goal, but Franco's positioning is good and the goalkeeper is able to gather possession. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and we are still waiting for the first real chance let alone effort on goal.

End-to-end football at the moment as Postiga strikes an effort towards goal for the home side, but it is just wide of the target. Sevilla threaten down the other end with Navas, but once more his cross does not find Negredo and the danger is cleared. You just cannot see where a goal is coming from in the final stages of the match.

Sevilla continue to pass and probe outside the Zaragoza penalty area with Navas and Negredo both involved. The former eventually has a strike from just inside the box, but it moves high of the crossbar. That is just about as close as he has come all evening. That is the good news for Sevilla, Navas has shown some signs of his best form in this match.

Slight problem for Spahic here as the Sevilla defender is injured in a challenge with Abraham. That forces the away side's second change as Alberto Botia enters the field of play. It looks a hamstring injury for Spahic which would rule him out of their weekend league match and the second leg next week.

Little over two minutes of normal time remaining and neither side appears any closer to opening the scoring. In truth, the opening 15 minutes of this match gave the impression that there would not be too many goals this evening. Neither team will be too disappointed if the result does indeed stay the same in the final few moments. Sevilla have possession in the home side's half.

Both sides make changes in the final moments as Glen Loovens replaces Paredes for Zaragoza and Rakitic is replaced by Stevanovic for the away side. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of time at the end of the match.

Not a great deal to get excited about in stoppage time with Negredo firing a tame shot wide of the target in the only half-chance in the remaining few moments. Truth be told, this match has been just about as poor as you could ever imagine.

So there we have it. The two sides play out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in the Copa del Rey. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for Barcelona against Malaga. Until then!