The Copa del Rey first-round draw was conducted on Monday, 5 October, setting up a series of David-versus-Goliath clashes as several of Spain's leading La Liga clubs are pitted against amateur and semi-professional opposition. Matches are scheduled to be played over three days from 27 to 29 October.

Who is in the First Round

The opening round notably excludes the four clubs committed to the Spanish Super Cup in February — FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and reigning Copa del Rey holder Real Sociedad, all of whom enter at the Round of 32. However, 2024 Copa del Rey winner Athletic Bilbao is present, alongside Real Betis, Villarreal, Sevilla, and Valencia.

Ten teams from Spain's regional leagues earned their place through a preliminary round and are guaranteed lucrative home ties against higher-level opposition — a hallmark of the competition's romantic appeal.

Key Matches to Watch

Villarreal travel to face Manacor — the hometown club of tennis legend Rafael Nadal — in a fifth-tier (RFEF III) tie. Levante face Tarancon in the same round of fixtures.

Rayo Vallecano visit Recreativo de Huelva, recognised as Spain's oldest football club, for a fourth-tier (RFEF II) encounter. Real Betis take on Navalcarnero, while Espanyol face a potentially tricky away fixture at Sestao River on the outskirts of Bilbao.

Perhaps the tie carrying the most narrative weight sees Celta Vigo travel to face Salamanca CF UDS, now managed by former Athletic Bilbao captain Iker Muniain, who lifted the Copa del Rey with his former club fewer than two and a half years ago.

Disruptions Before the Draw

Eight of the first-round participants were confirmed over the preceding weekend, though two ties remain unresolved. The return leg between Prat and San Rafael was postponed due to weather-related travel disruption. Separately, the match between Guimar and Sporting Hortaleza was suspended following violent scenes in which the Guimar coach was allegedly assaulted during the pre-match warm-up.

Historical Context and Upset Potential

Historically, no team from Spain's sixth tier of football has ever eliminated a top-flight opponent in the Copa del Rey. Yet the first round consistently produces some of the competition's most striking contrasts — packed lower-league grounds, outmatched but motivated hosts, and the ever-present possibility of an upset. This year's draw maintains that tradition with ten regional-level sides guaranteed home ties against professional clubs.

Full First-Round Fixtures Involving La Liga Sides

Ribadesella vs Racing de Santander; Auriense vs Deportivo La Coruna; Atletico Calatayud vs Osasuna; Anaitasuna vs Deportivo Alaves; AE Prat or San Rafael vs Athletic Club; Tavernes vs Valencia; Pinatar vs Elche; Sporting Alcazar vs Malaga; UB Lebrijana vs Getafe; Atletico Guimar or Sporting Hortaleza vs Sevilla; Tarancon vs Levante; Manacor vs Villarreal; Recreativo de Huelva vs Rayo Vallecano; Navalcarnero vs Real Betis; Sestao River vs Espanyol; Salamanca CF UDS vs Celta Vigo.

With the first-round dates confirmed, attention will now turn to whether any lower-league side can produce a shock result when the action begins on 27 October.