Copa del Rey: The Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Prestigious Cup at 22Bet
The Copa del Rey competition has seen many clubs lift the trophy since its creation in 1903, and we all have teams that we root for each season. We even bet on these clubs because we believe in them and their abilities. Some popular examples are Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Atlético Madrid.
In this guide, we look deeper into the Copa del Rey to understand its structure and history. We’ll get to know more about the tournament’s format, schedule and fixtures, standings, results, players, and top teams, and the latest news courtesy of 22Bet.
Follow along and get to know more about the Copa del Rey and its significance in Spanish football.
What is Copa del Rey?
Copa del Rey is an elimination tournament that the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) coordinates each year. It’s one of Spain’s main national football competitions. Clubs that enter the contest look forward to lifting the trophy and qualifying for the following season’s UEFA Europa League.
The Copa del Rey has 8 rounds, including the preliminary round, round 1, round 2, round of 32, and round of 16. Following those are the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final match. Draws for each round are done a few weeks before the kick-off date.
History of Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey tournament came into existence in 1903. Over the years, it has been known by several other names, including Copa del Presidente de la República and Copa del Generalísimo.
Juan de Astorquia and Carlos Padrós formed the Copa de la Coronaciónin in 1902 to celebrate the crowning of King Alfonso XIII. Given that it was the first competition of its kind, it only had a few participating teams. Club Bizcaya was the first winner after defeating Barcelona. With the tournament’s end came the beginning of the Copa del Rey.
Athletic Bilbao was the first club to win the Copa del Rey trophy in 1903, under Juan de Astorquia’s captaincy. The club was supposed to play Español de Madrid in the 1904 final, but the opponent failed to show up, and Athletic Bilbao won by default.
When the clubs split up in 1910, the RFEF and the Unión Española de Club de Football (UECF) organized two independent contests. Copa del Rey was Spain’s national championship before its status changed in 1929 when La Liga was created.
Before the current knockout format, Copa del Rey matches were played in group stages. Lower-division clubs were also allowed to participate until 1990. The competition had 83 clubs, including 17 Tercera División winners, 23 Segunda B teams, and Segunda A and Primera División clubs.
Format and Structure of Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey did not always have the same knockout format. At one point, the group stage setup was popular and was based on geographical locations. The Copa del Rey format now uses elimination round criteria. Seeding is based on the luck of the draw.
Lower division teams usually host the preliminary round matches, which are all single-leg ties. Clubs with the highest ranks enter the competition in the first round, while four Supercopa de España participants join the tournament in the Round of 32.
During the Round of 16, lower-division teams play against La Liga clubs to determine the quarter-finalists. The match fixtures in the quarter-finals are also based on a random draw. The semi-finals are the only games played over two legs.
Copa del Rey Schedule and Fixtures
The Copa del Rey tournament occurs every year, and the matches usually begin in early October. The draws are done a few weeks before the competition officially kicks off. The matches typically last throughout the week, with some rest days in between.
The final game falls between late April and early May each season. If you’d like to stay informed on the Copa del Rey schedule and fixtures, 22Bet is your best bet. We provide updated tables of upcoming games and make sure you get the highest betting odds and reliable betting tips.
Upcoming Copa del Rey Games
Stay up-to-date on all Copa del Rey fixtures only at 22Bet. We have an excellent team that regularly updates the match schedule. You can find this information and the results of concluded games in the Sports section. You’ll know the date, kick-off time, and venue for each upcoming event.
Copa del Rey Semi-Final Matches
The Copa del Rey semi-final matches take place in two legs. Fixtures are again based on the luck of the draw. The aggregate score in the two-leg matches will determine the Copa del Rey semi-final winners.
At 22Bet, we provide you with the semi-final fixtures so you’ll know which teams have the first home or away games. We also have predictions and betting odds on all these matches to help you gamble with confidence.
Copa del Rey Final Date and Details
We all wait in anticipation of the final to find out which club will win tickets to play in the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Europa League.
The final date may vary each season. For accurate Copa del Rey final details, visit our 22Bet Sports section. You’ll see the date, time, and venue, as well as get the most accurate odds and predictions.
Copa del Rey Standings and Results
Copa del Rey has an elimination format without team standings. Tables with statistics regarding each team, including wins, draws, and losses, are available. The tables also show the results of previous matches to help you determine which clubs are still in the tournament.
Current Copa del Rey Table and Standings
The current standings are not available as the competition is based on eliminating defeated teams. Teams play against each other, with the losers eliminated and the winners advancing to the next round.
Visit our 22Bet Sports page if you’d like to know which clubs still have a chance to play in the remainder of the tournament. Here, you’ll view the performance of each team, including the scores, yellow or red cards, assists, shots, and scorers.
Recent Copa del Rey Results
The 22Bet team updates the Copa del Rey results after every game to keep you well-informed. Get all information on the Copa del Rey scores of recent events from the Sports section and improve your betting strategy.
Copa del Rey Winners and Trophy Holders
Several clubs have managed to reach the Copa del Rey final and win the cup. Some of these teams have made history by winning the trophy multiple times. Some of the top champions include:
- Barcelona
- Athletic Bilbao
- Real Madrid
- Atlético Madrid
- Valencia
Copa del Rey Teams and Players
The Copa del Rey tournament attracts over 100 clubs during each season. These teams play against each other in a knockout format until a winner is declared in the final. Many exceptional players have graced the competition and left lasting impressions.
Top Teams in Copa del Rey
We’ve seen many clubs take part in the Copa del Rey and make history since the tournament was established. Among the top Copa del Rey teams include:
- Athletic Bilbao
- Barcelona
- Real Madridba
- Zaragoza
- Sevilla
Star Players to Watch in Copa del Rey
Would you like to know some of the most outstanding Copa del Rey stars of all time? These individuals have not only been successful in Spanish football but also internationally. Some of the top talents are:
- Andrés Iniesta. The former footballer was a midfielder playing for Barcelona. He’s won 6 Copa del Rey titles and several other La Liga and UEFA Champions titles. In 2012, he won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
- Lionel Messi. He played as a forward for Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey trophy 7 times. The Argentine is not only among the most popular players but also the most decorated in professional football. He has many trophies and awards, including 8 Ballon d’Or, World Soccer Player of the Year, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and several European Golden Boots.
- Sergio Busquets. The Spanish midfielder had a successful career playing for Barcelona. During his time there, he won at least 7 Copa del Rey titles. He’s also won multiple titles in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. Busquets is one of the greatest midfielders of all time and has received accolades such as the 2009 La Liga Breakthrough Player Award.
Copa del Rey Betting and Predictions
Our 22Bet analysts work day and night to make sure they provide you with the best Copa del Rey betting predictions and tips. They’ll keep you informed on key factors like team form and tactical considerations so you can bet confidently.
Copa del Rey Odds and Betting Markets
Get the most competitive Copa del Rey betting odds at 22Bet. Our expert team considers all the necessary factors that can affect the outcome of a match to give you accurate odds. We have various betting markets available, including Asian Spread and Double Chance.
Expert Copa del Rey Predictions
At 22Bet, we have an excellent team that works tirelessly to give you up-to-date, expert Copa del Rey predictions. You can trust that these predictions are as accurate as possible to help you bet easily and confidently.
Copa del Rey Betting Tips
22Bet has some of the best betting tips in the Copa del Rey tournament. Our analysts consider all statistics, including performances in recent matches, to give you the most reliable tips.
News and Updates on Copa del Rey
Staying up-to-date with all things Copa del Rey is now easy at the click of a button. Check our 22Bet news page and other social media pages, including X, Telegram, and Instagram, for all the latest news on the tournament. You can learn all the necessary details about the teams and individual players.
Latest Copa del Rey News
At 22Bet, you can find all the latest news. Learn about upcoming games, team statistics, form, injuries, suspensions, and even player transfers.
Highlights from Recent Copa del Rey Games
Our social media pages have some of the latest and most memorable Copa del Rey highlights. If you’re the kind of person who likes to relish the most epic moments of the tournament, our X, Telegram, and Instagram pages were made just for you.
Copa del Rey Draws and Bracket Updates
Copa del Rey draws are random, and teams depend on luck during each draw. Visit our Sports page to view the latest Copa del Rey bracket. We’ll provide you with a schedule for upcoming matches and the best odds and betting tips.