Preview: Sevilla vs Real Madrid (Spanish Cup)

The days before the meeting have been a war of words and today's match will be hot on the pitch. Sevilla wants to make clear that comes to the date as a favorite, both for its current status as title holder, and the fact that, despite being far from the expected level, is listed clearly on the rise since the start of the new year.

In addition the Sevilla still remembers the controversial semifinal of the 2003-04 season, when Jorge Valdano down to the referee locker room at halftime in a playoff that whites won with more difficulty.

Sevilla vs Real Madrid 2010 (2-1)

For its part, Real Madrid is not showing its best play in recent weeks. Not surprisingly, on Sunday team suffered a lot to keep their unbeaten status in the Santiago Bernabeu. It was able to overcome Mallorca only by the minimum.

Under these conditions, to leave the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium alive, Real Madrid should try to cool the mood of Sevilla and that is only possible if the ball is in feet of the white team. Xabi Alonso has to appear to tune and move the ball from side to side. Of his performance depends a lot on target for Real Madrid tonight. The worst thing would be that team rolled out with a succession of moves in their own area. Xabi, supported by Khedira and Marcelo in the midfield and Özil ahead, has to absorb the thrust of Sevilla.

Luis Fabiano and Kanoute are going well at the air. Kanoute goes flying into the far corner and win the jumps with ease. Albiol and Carvalho must be very attentive to bother them on the jump and the second play they can generate. Besides, Casillas should be awake and courageous in the ball crossed from the band and distribute wisely when he has the ball in his hands.

Arbeloa and Ramos cannot have distractions; have to measure their movements to avoid giving the band at Capel and Navas. The two players of Sevilla manufacture goal plays from their bands for completion in the area. If Ramos loses the site without benefit runs, it would not recommend to the Real Madrid. In the other side, Navas is going to get tested Arbeloa again and again. Marcelo has to support him in the zone.

Finally, it will be a great game and a great semifinal, no doubt. Maybe we'll see some football and some rugby, but at this stage of the competition ... There is only one possibility, to win.