Celebration of goal against Leganés in La Liga
Pre-match reports

A CHANCE TO GET A FOOT IN THE DOOR OF THE COPA DEL REY FINAL

31/01/2018
Six wins in six for Sevilla in the Copa del Rey; a win in the Butarque Stadium would be a huge step in the Nervionenses bid for the final. Leganés come in off back to back 2-2 victories (won on away goals) including a famous 1-2 win in the Santaigo Bernabéu in the quarters

An historic fixture: CD Leganés vs Sevilla FC in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. A familiar stage for the Nervionenses - this tie marks the eighth Copa del Rey semi-final for the Club in the 21st century - and one totally foreign to the 'Pepineros'.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that the club with its first opportunity to reach the grand finale of one of the most treasured domestic competitions in world football would carry in all the more excitement and unmatchable determination for their first Copa del Rey semi-final in history; however, the incentive will be no less for the more experienced Sevilla FC side, who in a matter of hours will prove their insatiable hunger for silverware - whoever the opponents. The first step for Sevilla FC in their bid for the final will be to rise above the occasion and show strength, conviction and the best possible form away from home. 

Being just as motivated and enthusiastic as the opponents has to be considered the first step to success

Two teams meet, through merit rather than fluke, clearly in the ascendency. Asier Garitano's side have proven to be one of the revelations of this year's La Liga campaign and the surprise package in the Copa del Rey. With solid squad depth, the Madrid-based team have shown their commitment to fight and work to the very last breath - giving their opponents minimal chances at goal and breaking dangerously when the ball is won. With seven goals in the cup all scored by different players, (Beauvue, Eraso, Diego Rico, Gabriel Pires, El Zhar, Amrabat and Tito) Leganés have also shown that all of their players are willing and able to contribute at both ends.  

Regardless of the fierce opponent to beat, a Copa del Rey semi-final clearly demands maximum commitment from Montella's men. Having left Villarreal and Real Madrid in their wake (winning both ties 2-2 on away goals), Leganés no longer have the surprise factor against Sevilla. Even more, the Nervionenses will now know what to look out for in looking to pick up a win - or at least a draw - to set themselves up in the tie. Confidence and conviction will be key. The much improved Sevilla dynamic now be put to the test, with the need to keep up an impressive defensive record in the cup so far (having conceded just three goals in the competition) and chance to add to an impressive 16 goals scored by the Nervión side. 

Sevilla have scored an average of two goals a game in the Copa del Rey so far; Leganés meanwhile showed spirit by overturning an 0-1 aggregate scorline in the Bernabéu

Indeed, the trajectory of Sevilla FC in this Copa del Rey has been immaculate. Six games, six victories: 0-3 and 4-0 against Cartagena; 0-2 and 2-1 against Cádiz CF; a famous win in the Wanda (1-2) and a stellar repeat performance in Nervión (3-1) to knock out Atlético. Of the 16 goals scored, Correa (4) and Ben Yedder (3) sit ahead Navas and Sarabia (2 each) in the scoring charts, with five more players all grabbing one each. The Pepineros, meanwhile, knocked out Valladolid (1-2 in Pucela and 1-0 in the Butarque); Villarreal (1-0 at home and a 2-1 loss at the Cerámica, with a goal from El Zhar that ultimately saw them through) and Real Madrid (0-1 at home and 1-2 at the Bernabéu, with famous goals from Eraso and Pires) on route to the semis. 

The semi-finals of any competition demand total respect to opponents, who in this case have arrived at the stage through humility and hard work 

The semi-finals of any competition demands total respect to opponents, who in this case have arrived at the stage through humility and hard work. Sevilla will need to be equally humble, and play 180 minutes of football on a level playing field. Even with a positive result tonight, Sevilla will have no other choice than to show total professionalism in the return leg. But there is a lot of football to be played before preparations start for that match. Tonight, Sevilla compete in one of the matches of the 21st  century. Showing the fight, passion and conviction that has characterised the Nervionenses' cup campaign to this point, it could be another memorable night for Sevilla Football Club.