Almería Faces Leganés in Crucial Copa del Rey Clash

ALMERÍA, Spain — Almería and Leganés will clash on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. local time in the UD Almería Stadium for the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey 24/25. The match, officiated by referee De Burgos Bengoetxea with Soto Grado on VAR, promises high stakes as both teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Almería, currently leading LaLiga Hypermotion, enters the match in formidable form, having secured a 4-1 victory over Sevilla in the previous round. The team is on an impressive 16-game unbeaten streak, including a 0-3 win against Córdoba last weekend. Coach Rubi expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing their readiness for the challenge.

Leganés, on the other hand, arrives with momentum after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Espanyol in league play. The result kept them clear of the relegation zone and boosted morale ahead of the Copa del Rey fixture. The team has already eliminated Ciudad de Lucena, Estepona, and Cartagena in earlier rounds.

Rubi highlighted the defensive strength of Leganés, stating, “They are a team that complicates things for us because they leave little space and are very well-organized defensively.” He also praised their counterattacking prowess and dynamic wing play, noting their ability to switch between a four or five-man defense.

Injury concerns loom for Almería, with Rachad sidelined for at least two months due to a meniscus injury. Rubi confirmed the team is not actively seeking replacements in the transfer market but remains open to reinforcing the squad if necessary. He also addressed the potential absence of key players due to stomach viruses, though he declined to name them to avoid giving the opposition an advantage.

The match will be broadcast live in Spain on Movistar+ Copa del Rey. Fans are expected to pack the UD Almería Stadium, with Rubi urging supporters to rally behind the team as if it were a league match. “We want to be in the next round,” he said. “Being among the top eight in Spain is our goal.”

Both teams are determined to advance, with Almería aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and Leganés seeking to continue their underdog run in the tournament.