Maracena vs Tavernes - Copa del Rey

A fascinating Copa del Rey chapter awaits on September 27, 2026 when Maracena take on Tavernes at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The 25-year-old suffered the injury after an inadvertent clash with his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for possession late in the first half.

Both camps will view the Copa del Rey meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Maracena will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Tavernes will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Despite his age, and recent injury record, Rodri remains the most complete central midfielder to have operated in the Premier League over the past five years.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Maracena will look to impose their style on home soil, while Tavernes are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Their press is quick and co-ordinated in some areas of the pitch and not others.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. As one of those fortunate enough to be inside the Westfalenstadion when he raced clear to score a Champions League winner against Chelsea in 2023, it is fair to say that Adeyemi's pace leaves an impression.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With positions in the Copa del Rey table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.