David Albelda (R) of Valencia competes for the ball with Manu del Moral of Sevilla during the round 16 Copa del Rey 1st leg match between Valencia and Sevilla at Estadio Mestalla in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Sevilla are in need of a good result at the Mestalla to keep themselves in the race for the top four in Spain.
In most recent seasons, matches between Valencia and Sevilla have been massively important European place deciders. Both teams are usually fighting for a top four spot and a place in the Champions League, but this year is a bit different. Valencia is firmly locked into the top four and will almost certainly finish in third place while Sevilla are a long way off of the pace.
A Champions League place is not out of reach for Sevilla, though. They sit in 12th position in the league, but they are just six points out of fourth place at the start of La Liga play on Sunday. They need to go on a brilliant run to get into the top four, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility. They did well to defeat Osasuna last week, and would be thrilled if they could follow up that result with a draw at the Mestalla.
Valencia will be without their two best playmakers, Ever Banega and Sergio Canales. The former recently ran over his own foot when he failed to put the emergency brake on his car at a petrol station and is out for the season. Federico Fazio and Jose Antonio Reyes are doubts for the Rojiblancos.
Game Date/Time: Sunday, February 26, 12:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. local
Venue: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes
Online: ESPN3
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