Mourinho eyes last 16 as Copa takes focus

Real Madrid may be on the brink of progression to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey but Jose Mourinho accepts his side still need to perform well against Alcoyano to fend off the critics. Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Saturday night saw them fall 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, who won 4-0 at Levante a day later, and heaped more pressure on Mourinho. The defending La Liga champions go into tomorrow night's clash with third-tier Alcoyano 4-1 up from the away leg but, even though he has rested a number of key players, Mourinho knows his men must deliver an impressive display at the Bernabeu. He said today: "It was a very good result (in the first leg) and it almost puts the team through to the next round, but we know that neither us nor the fans are happy. "Tomorrow it will not be enough if we lose by a goal or draw and still get through to the next round. We have to win and play well against Alcoyano. We have to play at our best and if we don't get through it would be a total catastrophe, but we have an obligation to people to take the match with the seriousness that the competition and Alcoyano deserve. "Tickets will be more affordable and cost less than they normally do, but we have to justify every penny that the fans pay and justify them coming out of their houses in the cold at 2130 to see a Second Division B team. We have to give these people what they will demand and they will whistle with every right to do so. The players that have been picked are those who have to take the responsibility." We have to play at our best and if we don't get through it would be a total catastrophe. Jose Morinho, Real Madrid coach He is placing his faith in youth tomorrow with Nacho, Alvaro Morata, Jose Rodriguez and Denis Cheryshev all included in the squad and expected to play. "I ask people to have sensitivity and admiration towards the boys who are going to play," said the Portuguese. "There will be four of them because of the competition's rules does not allow any more. Morata, Rodríguez, Nacho and Denis will be playing. I ask them to show what they think they have to show." Barça host Alaves on Wednesday with a 3-0 first-leg advantage to defend. Full-back Jordi Alba has been a key component of the club's flying start in league and cup competitions this season and he is pleased with how well he has settled into life back at the Nou Camp. The former La Masia graduate said: "I started a bit hesitantly but now I feel very good and very confident. I am connected to the club and I try to get better each day." Atletico, who are second in the league, three points behind Barça, also have a 3-0 lead when they host Jaen while there are five top-flight clubs facing a fight to get through against lower-league opposition. Osasuna are 1-0 down to Sporting Gijon, as are Levante to Melilla and Rayo Vallecano to Las Palmas, Real Sociedad are two behind Cordoba and Celta Vigo will also try to make up a 2-0 deficit on Almeria. From FIFA