Barcelona handed tricky Sevilla test in Copa
Barcelona was handed a tough draw against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-finals as Ronald Koeman chases his first trophy since being appointed head coach.
The two-leg tie will be a repeat of the teams' memorable meeting at the quarter-final stage two years ago, when Sevilla won 2-0 at home before being thrashed 6-1 at Camp Nou.
Koeman, who took charge last August, saw his side beaten 3-2 in the Supercopa de Espana final by Athletic Bilbao in January, when Lionel Messi was sent off in extra-time.
That silverware slipped by but the Dutch coach will hope for a better outcome for Barcelona as the Copa del Rey enters its final stages.
It was almost knocked out in the quarter-finals this week by Granada, saved by late goals in normal time from Antoine Griezmann and Jordi Alba before winning 5-3 after extra-time.
Facing Sevilla will surely be no easy task given Barca, second in LaLiga, is just a point ahead of Julen Lopetegui's team.
There could be another final between Barcelona and Athletic in store, with the Bilbao giant drawn to face Levante in the other semi-final.
The first legs of each tie will be played next midweek, with the return games to be played on the first midweek in March, with exact dates for each match to be determined.
Sevilla will have extra incentive to reach the final, given that match will be staged in its home city on 18 April (AEDT), at Estadio La Cartuja.
Because of the coronavirus impact on Spanish football, last season's Copa del Rey final has yet to be played, with that game between Athletic and Real Sociedad to be played at the same Seville stadium on 4 April (AEDT).
Barcelona holds the record for the most Copa del Rey titles, having won the competition 30 times, with Athletic next on the list with 23 victories.
