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Copa Del Rey First-Round Draw Sets 56 Ties Under New Regional Rule

The federation used regional groupings to reduce travel costs for smaller clubs.

Overview

  • The RFEF conducted the 2025–26 first-round draw in Las Rozas, confirming 56 single-match pairings from a field of 112 teams.
  • A newly introduced proximity criterion split Spain into four geographic groups for the draw to limit long trips.
  • First-round games will be played October 28–30, with lower-division clubs hosting higher-tier opponents in one-off ties.
  • Notable matchups include Sant Jordi vs Osasuna, Puerto de Vega vs Celta, Maracena vs Valencia, Orihuela vs Levante, Inter Valdemoro vs Getafe and Yuncos vs Rayo Vallecano.
  • Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club are exempt from this round, matches will proceed without VAR, and some small hosts are assessing alternate venues to meet RFEF standards.