Valencia vs. Real Madrid, 2013 Copa del Rey: Preview

Los Che probably don't have a way back into their Copa del Rey tie against Real Madrid.

Valencia have failed to score in 180 minutes of football in the last week against Real Madrid, spanning two stadiums and two competitions. They've indicated that Roberto Soldado will rest for the Copa del Rey return leg against Los Merengues, so they'll probably lack a bit of scoring punch. Sofiane Feghouli is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Jeremy Mathieu is sitting out and David Albelda is in doubt.

Even though Real Madrid could take this opportunity to give him a day off, Real Madrid are expected to give a start to Cristiano Ronaldo, as always. If they can add a goal in the first half at the Mestalla, the tie should be over fairly quickly.

It would be stunning if Los Merengues failed to hold up their end of the quarterfinal bargain and do their part to set up a semifinal Clasico. Whether or not Barcelona can do the same against Malaga on Thursday is an entirely different story.

Match date/time: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. local, 3:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain