Las Copas Recap

Cup Update

Mixed bag for Mexicans in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals and a less mixed, more terrible day in Portugal. Another group of Copa Del Rey games featuring Mexican national team players took place this Wednesday. Here is Joshua Picazo’s recap of the day that was.

Giovani Dos Santos and Jonathan Dos Santos

First up was Villarreal, which saw Giovani Dos Santos start against Getafe while younger brother, Jonathan, was a substitute. The Yellow Submarines started off the more aggressive side as the club looked to build on it’s Copa Del Rey success having beaten Carlos Vela’s struggling Real Sociedad in the quarterfinals last  week. Much of the early attack was led by Gerard Moreno. A tremendous cross by Giovani in the 8th minute created an early chance for Villarreal which was ultimately shot off target by Moreno. This would be a running theme for Gerard.

In the 34th minute, what looked to be a goal by Giovani was ruled offside. However, Villarreal continued to control the game. Gio was eventually subbed out in the 70th minute and Jonathan Dos Santos did not play. Ultimately, Villarreal ended the first leg ended with a 1-0 victory for Villarreal after a goal by Bruno.
It was a solid game by Gio as he looks to rejoin his brother, who has had a delightfully  surprising resurgence, in the starting line-up. Jona was likely rested for the weekend’s match.

Next Copa Del Rey game: January 29, 2015 @ Getafe

Raul Jimenez

As has been the case lately, Raul Jimenez was on the bench for Atletico Madrid in their match against fellow La Liga giants Barcelona. He was there due in large part to his struggles scoring as well as having to compete with world class players such as Mario Mandzukic and the return of the popular Fernando Torres for playing time. To his credit, manager Diego Simeone has not given up on the young Ex-America player and he is still trying to find minutes for him, albeit usually only in late in the game. This was the case in this match as Jimenez was subbed in for Gabi at the 87th minute after Barcelona scored the game winner.

An All Too Familiar Sight

Next Copa Del Rey game: January 28, 2015 at home

Guillermo Ochoa
Ochoa has been getting all of his playing time in Malaga during Copa games, and that has not changed, even now that they are in the Quarterfinals.

The struggling Bilbao could not figure Malaga out and it gave Memo the perfect stage to once again prove his worth in this drama filled transfer window. While rumors of teams from Liverpool and even Brazil have found their way to newspapers and websites, the World Cup star has stayed calm and done what is asked of him. Excitement rose for the away team as they pressured Malaga before the half but the defense held together and both teams entered the locker rooms scoreless at the half. Malaga looked the better team early into the second half but were never able to break through. All in all, Ochoa was really only challenged once but you can add another clean sheet to Ochoa’s European resume.

Next Copa Del Rey game: January 29, 2015 @ Athletic Bilbao.

Reyes In Starting XI

Diego Reyes got a rare start and Hector Herrera watched from the bench in Porto’s midweek cup game. This was an opportunity for Reyes to show his coach he can be relied on for league games. How did he do?

Cubo Torres

Cubo got a start tonight in Copa MX, how did he do?  

Cubo with the assist. — The Stray Goat (@thestraygoat) January 22, 2015