Marc Bartra Looks Ahead to Copa del Rey Clash Against Elche

Marc Bartra has become the first player from Real Betis to publicly respond to the recent draw for the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey, which has paired his team against Elche for a single-elimination match scheduled for next week at the Estadio de La Cartuja. The Catalan defender described the fixture as an intriguing clash between two teams that are known for their attacking play.

“We just saw the draw now. It promises to be an interesting match, indeed, between teams that like to play offensively, but our immediate focus must be on LaLiga,” Bartra stated to the media, including Zona Mixta and El Chiringuito, following training. He emphasized the importance of being strong at home, saying, “Ultimately, playing at home means we must be resilient, and with the support of our fans, we have a solid foundation to approach this knockout match, which is all or nothing.”

As one of the key players in the Betis squad, Bartra has previous experience in winning a cup title with the team. He revealed that this tournament holds special significance within the locker room, as it represents another opportunity to reach European competition. “Since my arrival, this has always been the competition we cherish the most, and we understand how happy it can make our supporters. However, we must take it step by step, just as we did in 2022.”