With Atletico Madrid pulling away at the top of the LaLiga Santander table, the Copa del Rey is suddenly seen in a different light by Barcelona, for whom it could be their best shot at getting their hands on some silverware this season.
It might seem unimportant for a club whose aim at the beginning of every season is to win everything, but securing the Cup, even if it is just the Cup, could be a vital boost for a club going through a relative dry spell, not to mention their off-field problems.
For Ronald Koeman, it could also be the route to remaining in his post next season.
In that context, it is likely that on Wednesday night against Granada the Dutchman will once again field a strong side, with few rotations.
Granada were once a team feared by all top sides, and since head coach Diego Martinez came in something of that giantkilling spirit has been regained.
That said, on LaLiga Santander duty just a few weeks ago, Barcelona ran out 4-0 victors at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
The Andalusians will be out to avenge that loss and the defeat suffered the last time they met the Blaugrana in the Cup: the 1959 final.
Diego Martinez will have to be creative, however, as he faces this colossal task without a number of players, such as Luis Milla and Maxime Gonalons who miss out through injury, and Yangel Herrera, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Granada vs Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals kicks off at 21:00 (CET).
