The coming week sees the return legs of the last 32 of the Kings Cup knockout competition, although in many cases the games promise to be decaffeinated affairs in which Spain's big clubs will look to rest key players.

Real Madrid and Sevilla have already booked their place in the next round and Barcelona will do the same on Tuesday after a 4-0 away win in Huesca means the home game in the Camp Nou is a mere formality.

Valencia and Rayo repeat Saturday's league clash, which Valencia won 3-0 and they also hold a 2-1 advantage for their Cup game in Mestalla. Meanwhile Celta, who have not scored in five league matches have to come back from 2-1 down at home to Las Palmas, while Juan Ignacio Martinez's first game as Almeria boss sees his side defend a 4-3 lead at home to Betis.

Wednesday's games look to offer little in the way of excitement with the match between Real Sociedad and Oviedo perhaps the pick of the bunch.

Elsewhere Eibar are unlikely to risk jeopardizing their impressive league campaign by going all out to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Getafe and Villarreal and Alaves should have few problems at home to lower table opposition.

Thursday's standout match sees Athletic Club at home to third tier side Alcoyano and Athletic know they will have to improve on the display which saw them score an injury time goal to draw 1-1 in the first leg.

Atletico Madrid have a 3-0 advantage at home to Hospitalet and will rest their first team squad ahead of Sunday's trip to Bilbao, while Malaga and Elche, who will nevertheless have to be careful at home to Valladolid after a 0-0 in the first leg, should also book their places in the next round. Endi

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