Eto'o's return inspires Barca for King's Cup

MADRID, Feb 26 (Reuters) The goalscoring return of striker Samuel Eto'o has given Barcelona the lift they need to overhaul Real Zaragoza in their King's Cup quarter-final, second leg on Wednesday.

The 24-times Cup winners trail last season's finalists 1-0 from the first leg in the Nou Camp, but will be a changed side in Zaragoza with the Cameroon international's input.

Eto'o made his first start for Barca after four months out with a knee injury, scoring one and setting up a second in a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the league yesterday.

''His presence and style of play draws the attention of the opposition defence and creates space for the other players. When you control possession and don't have players like this it is more complicated,'' Barca coach Frank Rijkaard said.

The Primera Liga leaders have missed Eto'o's presence but will need to use the player sparingly as he regains match fitness.

''I'm shattered,'' said Eto'o after playing 66 minutes of yesterday's game. ''I felt a little pain but will have to put up with this for about a year. I have to keep working but the injury is almost forgotten now.'' Zaragoza, who knocked Barca out of the Cup 5-4 on aggregate at the same stage last season, have lost some of their early season sparkle and could only draw 0-0 with lowly Levante yesterday.

Of Wednesday's other three matches only the Seville derby appears to be in the balance, after Sevilla and 2005 Cup winners Real Betis drew 0-0 at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Jan.31.

Although Sevilla are second in the table, 20 points ahead of 14th-placed Betis, the city derby is a leveller as was proved in the league clash at Betis's Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium earlier this month, which also ended goalless.

The possibilty of penalties looms large. Both sides have drawn three of the four league games since the first leg, without scoring.

Sevilla will also have an eye on Saturday's top-of-the table clash with league leaders Barcelona.

Second division leaders Valladolid, the only non-Primera Liga side left, have home advantage but a 4-1 deficit to work on against Deportivo Coruna.

In-form Getafe, who knocked out Valencia in the previous round, travel to face a goal-shy Osasuna with a 3-0 first-leg lead.

REUTERS AY RK1840