Ex-Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo makes feelings clear when asked if he wants to face Los Blancos or Barcelona in Copa del Rey next 

Jesus Vallejo has shared his pick between Real Madrid and Barcelona as his preferred next opponent in the Copa del Rey. He said that he would like to face Los Blancos as it would be a good occasion for Albacete.

Both Spanish giants have reached the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, with contrasting results in the Round of 32. Barcelona comfortably beat Guadalajara 2-0 away on Tuesday, December 16. On the other hand, the Merengues secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Talavera away on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Albacete beat Celta Vigo 3-0 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 in regulation time. Jesus Vallejo scored the equalizer for the hosts in stoppage time. After the game, he was asked who between Barca and Los Blancos he would like to face in the next round, and he answered (h/t Madrid Xtra):

“Do I prefer Barça or Real Madrid in the round of 16? Real Madrid. An Albacete vs Real Madrid match at Belmonte would be really cool.”

Vallejo spent a decade with the Merengues after joining them from Real Zaragoza in 2015. However, he couldn't establish himself as a key player and made just 35 appearances for them. He left as a free agent in the summer before joining Segunda Division side Albacete.

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Barcelona and Real Madrid reach Copa del Rey Round of 16

Barcelona faced CD Guadalajara, who play in the Primeira Federación, in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. After a goalless first half, Andreas Christensen opened the scoring in the 76th minute. Marcus Rashford then completed the scoring in the 90th minute to secure a comfortable win.

Los Blancos, meanwhile, faced Talavera CF, who play in the Tercera División - Group 18 away. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for them in the 41st minute via a penalty. A Manuel Farrando Stiepovich own goal doubled their lead in the first-half stoppage time.

Nahuel Arroyo scored for the hosts in the 80th minute, before Mbappe scored another for the visitors in the 88th minute. Gonzalo Di Renzo scored for Talavera in the stoppage time, but they couldn't find an equalizer.

Notably, Real Madrid and Barcelona faced off in the Copa del Rey final last season. In a thrilling encounter, the Blaugrana won 3-2 after extra time, winning the trophy that was part of their domestic treble. They also lead Los Blancos in the LaLiga standings currently, sitting four points above them after 17 games.