Early rounds of cup tourney more difficult?

[ibangali]

Early rounds of cups for me used to have mediocre, 30%, 40% inferior teams I whooped easily. Now (for about 3 seasons now) has teams of a similar quality I struggle to get through and have actually sent me packing some of the time. Anyone else experienced this, or is this just one of those things that change as you ascend up the levels?

We are in the same boat

This season, I see higher lvl manger but lower lvl club; like manager lvl 29 club lvl 13, almost equal q with me. Although I spent lots of green this season to increase my players q. specially my mr+amr+st with ck sp is 23 yo and amc+aml+st 23 yo; slow on progress, eat lots of green; this season will be last season for them; both are very good players but green expensive

I face him round 16: