The round of 16 draw for the Spanish Copa del Rey has pitted Spanish champions Barcelona against third-division team Unionistas de Salamanca, while holders Real Madrid will face their crosstown rivals Atlético Madrid for the second time in seven days. The draw has presented some interesting matchups, with only one third-tier team remaining in the competition and several exciting clashes between LaLiga sides.
Unionistas de Salamanca, a third-division side, surprised everyone by beating LaLiga team Villarreal on penalties to progress to the round of 16. They are the only non-LaLiga team left in the competition, and their encounter with Barcelona will undoubtedly be a huge challenge for them. Despite their underdog status, Unionistas de Salamanca will surely give their all on the pitch, hoping to pull off another upset.
Barcelona’s path to the round of 16 was relatively straightforward as they faced fourth-division side Barbastro. Although they had to work hard for it, Barcelona secured a 3-2 victory with goals from Fermín López, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. The Spanish champions will be looking to continue their success in the Copa del Rey and advance to the next stage, but they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Real Madrid will travel to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atlético Madrid in what promises to be an intense encounter. The two teams recently faced each other in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, and now they meet again in the Copa del Rey. Both teams will be determined to claim bragging rights in the city of Madrid and secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The matchup between these two giants of Spanish football is sure to captivate fans worldwide.
Aside from the Barcelona and Madrid clashes, there are several other intriguing fixtures in the round of 16. Surprise LaLiga leaders Girona will host Rayo Vallecano, while the 23-time winners of the competition, Athletic Club, will be at home against Alavés. Getafe and Sevilla will face off, Osasuna will take on Real Sociedad, Valencia will play Celta Vigo, and Tenerife will welcome Mallorca. Each of these matches presents its own unique storyline and potential for excitement.
The Copa del Rey round of 16 draw has set the stage for thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. While Barcelona looks to continue their dominance, third-tier team Unionistas de Salamanca aims to extend their fairytale run in the competition. The Madrid Derby adds an extra layer of excitement, as Real Madrid seeks to assert their superiority over Atlético Madrid. As the remaining teams compete for a place in the quarterfinals, football fans can eagerly anticipate captivating performances and surprises along the way.