TONIGHT SEES THE FEMENINO GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH BILBAO IN THE LAST SIXTEEN OF THE COPA DE LA REINA

Tonight sees the Femenino go head to head with Athletic Club in the last sixteen of the Copa de La Reina. The Sevilla team is back competing in a competition that has bared a lot of fruit over the years. Having made it to two consecutive semi-finals, the team was left with a false sense of hope. However, with the convincing performances of a group that, in the midst of the last season's good league form, showed how much these types of competitions mean to them.  

Sevilla come into the round having won the right to enter at this stage in the competition, due to last seasons exploits. On the other hand, Athletic Club will be playing in the second cup tie after having defeated Real Racing Club in the third round at the end of the month (5-0). This will be the second time the teams have met this season after the goalless draw that took place back in October at the ciudad deportiva. The teams will also meet again later this season for the second league outing nearer the end of the year. 

"We are confident in ourselves that we will compete"  

Speaking to the media, Cristian Toro appeared in good spirit amid the cup tie: "It's a different type of game. The cup is exciting, a glorious tournament where there is only one shot and maybe our opponents have the upper hand considering they're at home, but anything can happen and it's a competition we like, want to win and always compete in." Toro also spoke about the schedule and our opponents: "The calendar is what it is and we have to adapt to it. I hope we go into the game with a good mindset. Bilbao have a strong block with many experienced league players and up top they are very quick and press with intensity... determined players, a strong defensive block, they're strong from set pieces and we have to compete for every ball. We are looking forward to it and keeping in mind the importance of starting well as we will be pressed by a team who also loves the playing in the cup." 

In closing, Toro wanted to maintain focus on Tuesday's tie, despite there being matches around the corner: "We know today is what matters the most. From tomorrow morning onwards, other matches will get thought about, but today the cup is what matters. With a credit to ourselves, we have come into this stage of the cup after finishing in the top eight last year and we are confident in ourselves that we will compete." 

The last sixteen tie of the Copa de la Reina will get under way at 21:00 PM in Lezama by referee Marta Frías Acedo. To keep up to date with the game, like usual, you can do so through Sevilla FC Radio.