The Copa del Rey, also known as the King’s Cup, is an annual football competition in Spain. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious cup competitions in the world, dating back to 1903. The competition is open to all Spanish football clubs, including those from the top-flight La Liga, the second-tier Segunda Division, and lower-tier leagues.
History of Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey was first organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation in 1903, making it the oldest football competition in Spain. The initial tournament was contested by only four teams, including FC Barcelona and Madrid FC (now Real Madrid). Since then, the competition has grown significantly, and currently, it consists of 128 teams.
The competition’s name, Copa del Rey, which translates to “the King’s Cup,” comes from its association with King Alfonso XIII, who donated the trophy to the competition in 1902. Since then, the trophy has become one of the most coveted prizes in Spanish football.
Format of Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey follows a knockout format, with each round consisting of a single match. The early rounds of the competition involve lower-tier teams, while the top-flight teams enter the competition in the later rounds. The final match is played at a neutral venue, and the winner of the competition qualifies for the UEFA Europa League.
Recent Winners of Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey has been dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have won the competition 31 and 19 times, respectively. However, in recent years, other teams have also made their mark in the competition. In the 2020-21 season, Athletic Bilbao won the Copa del Rey, beating Barcelona 4-0 in the final.
Upcoming Copa del Rey Season
The 2021-22 Copa del Rey season is set to begin in September 2021, with 116 teams competing in the preliminary rounds. The top-flight teams, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid, will enter the competition in the Round of 32. The final of the competition is scheduled to take place in April 2022.
Conclusion
The Copa del Rey is a significant football competition in Spain, with a rich history and tradition. The competition offers lower-tier teams the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the country, and for the top-flight teams, it is a chance to win a prestigious trophy and qualify for European competition. With the 2021-22 season set to begin, football fans in Spain and around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of another thrilling Copa del Rey campaign.
