The Copa del Rey is heating up as the tournament reaches its quarterfinal stage. From the 116 teams that embarked on this journey, only eight remain, each vying for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
The draw, held on January 20 in the Luis Aragonés function room at Ciudad del Fútbol, has set the stage for thrilling encounters, including heavyweight clashes involving Barcelona, Real Madrid, and other top contenders.
Knockout Tournament Progresses to Elite Eight
After an action-packed round of 16, the stage is set for the quarterfinals, which will take place during the week commencing February 3. The winners of these one-off games will move on to the semifinals, where the competition format switches to two-legged ties.
Significantly, Barcelona and Real Madrid avoided each other in the quarterfinal draw, keeping alive the tantalizing possibility of a Clásico showdown in the semifinals or final. The prospect of two more Clásicos this season adds an extra layer of excitement to an already captivating competition.
Additionally, should Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid both progress, fans could witness a Madrid derby in the latter stages, heightening the drama in this prestigious tournament.
Valencia to Host Barcelona in a 2019 Final Rematch
The standout fixture of the quarterfinals sees Valencia taking on Barcelona at the Mestalla. This matchup is a re-edition of the 2019 Copa del Rey final, where Valencia emerged victorious. The Catalans will be eager to avenge that defeat and secure their place in the last four.
For Valencia, this is an opportunity to reignite their cup aspirations and potentially replicate their past success. With both teams boasting rich histories in this competition, fans can expect an intense battle under the Mestalla lights.
Real Madrid Set for a Test at Butarque Against Leganes
Real Madrid’s quarterfinal clash sees them travel to Butarque to face Leganes, a team that has reached this stage of the competition only once before. This matchup evokes memories of their previous quarterfinal meeting, where Leganes shocked Los Blancos to progress.
Real Madrid will be cautious but confident, aiming to assert their dominance and move closer to silverware. For Leganes, this represents a golden opportunity to make history again, with the home crowd providing crucial support.
Atletico Madrid vs. Getafe: A Derby Decider
The quarterfinals also feature a Madrid derby, as Atletico Madrid hosts Getafe at the Metropolitano. This marks the first Copa del Rey meeting between the two since 2013, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Atletico, known for their resilience under Diego Simeone, will look to capitalize on their home advantage. Meanwhile, Getafe will aim to spring an upset, banking on a solid performance to challenge their city rivals.
Real Sociedad and Osasuna to Battle in the Reale Arena
The Reale Arena will host another intriguing matchup as Real Sociedad takes on Osasuna. Both teams are riding high after impressive campaigns, with Osasuna notably eliminating last season’s champions in the previous round.
For Real Sociedad, the home fixture offers a chance to showcase their attacking prowess. Osasuna, on the other hand, will hope to continue their giant-killing run and secure a place in the semifinals.
With the quarterfinal matchups now set, anticipation is building for a thrilling week of football. The prospect of two additional Clásicos this season, should Barcelona and Real Madrid both progress, looms large. Similarly, the possibility of a Madrid derby in the semifinals or final adds further intrigue.
As the road to La Cartuja becomes clearer, the stakes continue to rise. Will the giants live up to expectations, or will underdogs steal the spotlight? One thing is certain: the Copa del Rey promises unforgettable drama in the weeks to come.
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