Butragueno: Sevilla are one of the worst rivals we could have drawn

Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno recognised that on this occasion the club had not been handed as favourable draw as they’d hoped for in the Copa del Rey last 16. 

After being paired with Jorge Sampaoli’s high-flying Sevilla, he said: “It’s one of the worst rivals we could have drawn. We will take on the tie with maximum concentration, but it’s a tough draw.” 

One of the aspects which is usually key is who plays at home second and on this occasion it’s Sevilla who hold the theoretical advantage of playing the second leg at the Sanchez Pizjuan. 

Butragueno played down the significance of that, though, adding: “It doesn’t matter if the second game is at home or away, you have to play [both]. But the lads know how difficult it is to play at Sevilla. The Sanchez Pizjuan carries the team to an even higher level.” 

The tie between Madrid and Sevilla was the most eye-catching of the last 16 draw, which took place at the RFEF’s Las Rozas headquarters on Friday. Barcelona, meanwhile, will face Athletic Club.