Could This Be the David vs Goliath Moment in Copa del Rey?
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Synopsis
As the Copa del Rey kicks off its first round, La Liga teams are poised to face lower league rivals in thrilling matchups. Will the underdogs rise to the occasion? Discover the potential for upsets as amateur clubs challenge some of Spain's finest in a quest for glory.
Key Takeaways
- Elche faces UD Las Garres in a local derby.
- Villarreal encounters a challenging fifth-tier team, Ciudad de Lucena.
- Osasuna hopes to break their away losing streak against CD Sant Jordi.
- Matches are set in various locations, showcasing regional talent.
- The tournament offers a chance for lower league teams to shine.
Madrid, Oct 28 (NationPress) The first round of the Copa del Rey is set to unfold on Wednesday, featuring five matches where La Liga teams will venture to challenge lower league contenders. Elche will make a brief journey to the region of Murcia to take on UD Las Garres, an amateur team from a village with a population of just over 7,000, competing in Spain's sixth tier at the Las Tejeras Stadium, which holds 1,000 spectators.
Villarreal, currently positioned third in La Liga after a recent victory against Valencia, faces a different kind of challenge as they play away against Ciudad de Lucena, a fifth-tier club from the province of Cordoba in southern Spain. The Ciudad de Lucena Stadium, which accommodates 5,000 fans, is expected to be full as the home team aims for a surprising upset against a La Liga side that has struggled in this annual knockout tournament.
Osasuna is set to fly to Mallorca to take on another amateur outfit, CD Sant Jordi, at their 1,500-capacity ground. Although Osasuna is favored to win, the Sant Jordi players and supporters are aware that the team from Pamplona has struggled this season, losing all of their away games and having recently faced an unexpected 3-2 defeat at home to Celta Vigo, according to reports from Xinhua.
Atletic Sant Just, one of the lesser-known teams from Barcelona, will host the 2024 finalists Mallorca. However, they face a disadvantage as the match will be held in nearby Hospitalet due to their home ground not meeting necessary standards.
Lastly, Rayo Vallecano will make a short journey from Madrid to Toledo to square off against CD Yuncos, a sixth-tier team from a town with a population exceeding 10,000.
The 2025–26 Copa del Rey marks the 124th edition of Spain's local knockout cup tournament, with the victor guaranteed a spot in the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League group stage. Both the champion and the runner-up will qualify for the four-team 2027 Supercopa de España.
The Preliminary Round took place between September 28 and October 1, with a total of 125 teams advancing to the first round of the tournament. Competitions will unfold over six rounds, culminating in the final scheduled for April 25, 2026, at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
Barcelona stands as the defending champion after besting Real Madrid in the previous season's final.
Point of View
We are committed to delivering unbiased, accurate coverage of the Copa del Rey. This prestigious tournament not only highlights the competitive spirit of Spanish football but also provides a platform for lower league teams to showcase their talents against established La Liga clubs.
NationPress
30/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Copa del Rey?
The Copa del Rey is Spain's premier knockout cup competition, featuring teams from various divisions, including La Liga and lower leagues.
How many teams are participating in this year's Copa del Rey?
This year's Copa del Rey features a total of 125 teams competing in the first round.
When will the final of the Copa del Rey be held?
The final of the Copa del Rey is scheduled for April 25, 2026, at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
Who are the defending champions of the Copa del Rey?
Barcelona are the defending champions, having won the previous edition against Real Madrid.
How does qualification for the UEFA Europa League work in this tournament?
The winner of the Copa del Rey earns a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage for the following season.
