MADRID, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Although Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium and the 'Clasico' between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal will probably claim more headlines, Real Betis' Benito Villamarin stadium hosts an equally important tie on Thursday when the hosts entertain Valencia in the first leg of their semifinal.
Betis go into the game knowing that their 60,700 capacity ground has been chosen as the venue for this year's final and that should give the players extra motivation.
Quique Setien's side claimed an important La Liga win at the weekend when they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0, and they will be looking for more of the same against Valencia, who are probably in their best form of the season.
Los Che scored two goals in injury-time a week ago to knock Getafe out of the quarterfinals, and followed up that game with a creditable 2-2 draw away to Barcelona.
In the Camp Nou, Valencia were able to hit Barca time and again on the break, with midfielder Dani Parejo directing the midfield and feeding Rodrigo Moreno, Denis Cheryshev and Kevin Gameiro, and they will look to do likewise on Thursday.
Betis are a side that like to build from the back and have the ball at their feet, and although players such as Sergio Canales and Giovani Lo Celso are excellent on the ball, Betis are vulnerable to the high press and Valencia will look to do this in order to score a vital away goal.
Betis rotated some players on Saturday, with Lo Celso, Joaquin Sanchez and Loren Moron rested, while Marc Bartra and William Carvalho missed out with physical problems, but should be able to return on Thursday.
Valencia weren't able to rest players in Barcelona, but have had an extra 24 hours to recover for what promises to be just as fascinating as Wednesday's 'Clasico'.
