I generally don’t pay very close attention to domestic cup competitions. They play virtually no role in the WCR Top 25 Rankings and other than the FA Cup final, I don’t watch too many of the matches. We are deep, however, into domestic cup season at the moment. Since I haven’t been following the tournaments, I thought I’d take a look at where the bigger ones stand. Just in case you’re wondering too, I thought I’d post what’s going on.
England – FA Cup
This tournament still has quite a way to go. There still are sixteen clubs left. One thing that may make this tournament exciting, though, is that only one of the Big Four is remaining – Chelsea. Among the bigger clubs remaining in the tournament are Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, though, so there still could be some big names in the final. The next round takes place on February 13.
England – Carling Cup
England’s league cup tournament has reached the final. On February 28, Aston Villa will face off against Manchester United for the title.
Spain – Copa del Rey
Spain’s cup tournament is still in the semifinals, but the finalists appear to be pretty much set. This week will be the second leg of the semifinal matchups. Racing Santander will host Atletico de Madrid in one semifinal, but Racing will have to overcome a 0-4 deficit in order to advance. In the other semifinal, Getafe will have to overcome a 0-2 first leg loss in order to move on in place of opponent Sevilla.
Italy – Coppa Italia
Like the Copa del Rey, the Coppa Italia’s next match also will be the second leg of the semifinals. In one semifinal, Udinese will host Roma, which won the first leg 2-0. In the other semifinal, Fiorentina will attempt to dig out of it’s 0-1 hole against Inter Milan. I’d tell you when the second legs are going to be played, but I’m not sure. I’ve seen multiple websites saying April 14. I’ve also seen multiple websites saying February 14. It’ll be one or the other, I suppose. Or maybe not. According to the ESPN 360 website, the Fiorentina – Inter Milan match will be broadcast on February 10. Whenever the next legs are played, they should be fun.
Germany – DFB Pokal
The German Cup tournament has reached the quarterfinals, which will be played today and tomorrow. There were a lot of early upsets in this tournament, but five of the final eight clubs in the tournament are 1. Bundesliga participants, including Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04. The biggest surprise must be third division club VfL Osnabrück. The only match in this round involving a pair of first division clubs is Werder Bremen – TSG Hoffenheim, which will be broadcast on ESPN 360 this afternoon.
France – Coupe de France
Like England’s FA Cup, the Coupe de France is into its Round of Sixteen. The next round will be held today and tomorrow. Among the top clubs remaining in the tournament are Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulouse, Auxerre and Paris St. Germain. There are two matches this week involving a pair of Ligue Un clubs, Lens – Marseille and Bordeaux – Monaco.
France – Coupe de la Ligue
This tournament has reached the finals and, like the Carling Cup in England, has a compelling matchup in the finals between Marseille and Bordeaux. That match will take place on February 17.
Netherlands – KNVB Beker
Holland’s cup competition has reached the semifinals and includes three of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands, but notably misses current Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven. The semifinals will involve Feyenoord – Twente on March 24 and Go Ahead Eagles – Ajax of March 25.
Portugal – Taça de Portugal
I’m not sure when the next round will be played or what the matchups will be, but the quarterfinals have just concluded and the final four clubs will be Porto, Naval, Rio Ave and Desportivo Chaves.
Portugal – League Cup
Like the Taça de Portugal, this Portuguese tournament has reached the semifinals. Unlike the Taça de Portugal, we know who and when everybody is playing. This tournament still involves the three traditional powerhouses, along with Académica de Coimbra. Today (9 February), Sporting CP will host Benfica in one semifinal. Tomorrow (10 February), Porto will host Académica.
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