Real Madrid: Awaiting Their Opponent in Copa del Rey Draw

Real Madrid is set to discover their first opponent in the Copa del Rey as the draw for the Round of 16 takes place on Tuesday, December 9. Scheduled for around 1 PM CET, this event will unveil who the Merengues will face as they embark on their quest for domestic glory. Joining Real Madrid in this stage are other teams from the Supercopa de España, including Athletic Club, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, all entering at this round of the tournament.

The competition format remains unchanged from previous years, featuring single-elimination matches. The fixtures will be hosted at the home ground of the lower-ranked club. This year’s Round of 16 matches are set to occur on December 16, 17, or 18, just before the winter break. The anticipation is palpable as clubs gear up to challenge a giant like Real Madrid, which has a storied history in this tournament.

Potential Opponents for Real Madrid

In this initial knockout phase, Real Madrid will encounter a team from either the Primera División or Segunda RFEF. The possible adversaries include Atlético Baleares and Ourense from Segunda RFEF, while Talavera, Guadalajara, Real Murcia, and Eldense represent Primera RFEF. Each of these clubs is eager to seize the opportunity to host a marquee match against one of football’s most prestigious teams.

The Stakes of the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey not only offers a chance for silverware but also acts as a gateway for some clubs to gain European competition entry. One of the teams emerging victorious from this tournament will earn a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the following season. Additionally, two teams that compete in this year’s Copa del Rey will qualify for the upcoming Supercopa de España in January 2027. As excitement builds around the draw, fans are left wondering: can their team create an upset against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid?

As preparations ramp up ahead of this significant draw, all eyes will be on Santiago Bernabéu and its illustrious history in Spanish football. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm and a squad brimming with talent—including stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior—the expectations are high for a deep run into this year’s competition. Will they rise to the occasion once again?