Draw for the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE 2025-2026
This Wednesday at 13:00, the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas will be the stage where the path to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey is defined. The draw, which is not entirely random, involves sixteen clubs with different aspirations. 🏆
Draw Mechanics and Protection for the Big Teams
The Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) designs a procedure that separates the teams into two pots. In the first pot are the four participants in the next Supercopa de España: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, and Athletic Club. This system ensures that these clubs do not face each other in the round of 16, which theoretically gives them an easier initial path. The second pot houses the other twelve qualified teams.
Pairing Process:- A team is drawn from pot one (Supercopa participants).
- Immediately after, a rival for that team is drawn from pot two (the twelve remaining clubs).
- The process is repeated until all four seeded teams are paired.
The format is not pure, meaning the clubs are not paired completely freely at random.
The Teams Seeking Their Opportunity
In addition to the four protected teams, seven other clubs from LaLiga EA Sports are hoping for a favorable opponent. Names like Real Sociedad, Betis, Valencia, or Villarreal aspire to advance without too many setbacks. On the other hand, the five representatives from LaLiga Hypermotion (Second Division) dream of pulling off an upset and trust that the draw will give them a chance to make history. ⚽
Composition of the Pots:- Pot 1: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club.
- Pot 2: Other 7 First Division teams + 5 Second Division teams.
Knockout Format and Expectations
The draw also determines the order of the matches. Each round of 16 matchup is played as a single leg, giving the home advantage to the lower-category team. If both clubs are from the same division, the field will belong to the first team drawn in the draw. This rule adds a crucial strategic factor and can balance the forces. The Copa del Rey is famous for producing unexpected results, where a Second Division team can eliminate a First Division one, proving that in this tournament any prediction can fail. The excitement is guaranteed. 🎲