This Thursday at 20:45 (CET) C.D. Leganés travel to play Xerez Deportivo F.C. at the Chapín, in their first round of knockout football in the Copa de S.M. El Rey. The Pepineros make their cup debut against a club who look to make their first ever appearance in the tournament.
Leganés take their first steps in the K.O. stages of the Copa del Rey in Jerez de la Frontera this Thursday. After five consecutive weeks without a league defeat, Nafti's men change tack to cup football with the hope that the squad's fine run in LaLiga SmartBank will carry over to deliver the next stage of cup football for the club.
For the Franco-Tunisian manager, participation from certain players is out of the questions, with Iván Villar, Fede Vico, Bárcenas and Bautista all ruled out due to injury, while academy call-ups Javi Garrido, Javi Rubio, Cissé and Diego García, as well as Naim, will hope to feature more in the cup tie.
Xerez Deportivo F.C., excited for a Copa del Rey debut
On the other hand, Xerez Deportivo F.C. will be approaching the fixture with all the enthusiasm and excitement expect of a side making their first ever Copa del Rey appearance in the club's history since its foundation in 2013. The Andalucians have had a year of high emotions, having also begun their first season in Segunda División RFEF. They currently sit in 14th in Group 4.
The Xerecistas will count on their home advantage to overcome their opponents at the Chapín, with a recent record of three victories in four matches, most recently over Don Benito (1-0), blowing wind in their sails. Manager José Herrera can also rely on the experience of his players, including goalkeeper Camacho, left-winger Álex Cruz and striker Máyor, against the daunting prospect of a Segunda División opponent.
The match will be officiated by the Canarian referee, Sr. D. Juan Luis Pulido Santana.
