Real Madrid, Atletico begin Copa del Rey campaigns in third-round away ties

MADRID, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid begin their Copa del Rey campaigns on Wednesday with third-round ties away to lower-league opponents.

Real Madrid travel to third-tier RFEF I side Talavera. Under-pressure coach Xabi Alonso appears to have bought himself some breathing space with Sunday's 2-1 win away to Deportivo Alaves, but he will still want a convincing performance against opponents struggling in their division.

Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras return after serving weekend suspensions, but Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga remain injured.

Atletico travel to Mallorca to face Atletico Baleares, another RFEF side, with Diego Simeone expected to name a strong starting 11 against a team that knocked Espanyol out in the previous round. Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez paid the price for rotating his entire lineup in that defeat, and Simeone is unlikely to take the same risk, although Marcos Llorente and Jose Gimenez remain sidelined.

Second-division leaders Racing Santander host Villarreal in one of the standout ties. Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral should have a fresh squad after the weekend league match against Levante was postponed because of heavy rain.

Much could depend on whether Racing select their strongest team, with playmaker Inigo Vicente starting, or prioritize their push for promotion.

Levante visit second-tier Cultural Leonesa looking for relief from their La Liga struggles, while Huesca host Osasuna, a side that has endured a poor away record in the league with seven defeats and two draws.

Alaves host Sevilla in the only third-round tie between two top-flight clubs. ■