Copa del Rey

Spain's historic knockout cup, contested by clubs across the entire football pyramid.

The Copa del Rey is Spain's historic knockout football competition, first played in 1903, making it one of the oldest domestic cups still contested in Europe. Open to clubs from across the Spanish football pyramid, with around 125 entrants each season including La Liga, Segunda Division and lower-tier and regional sides, the tournament is played in a single-elimination format, with most rounds decided over one leg, aside from the semi-finals, which are traditionally played home and away. The final is a single match at a neutral venue, most often Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville in recent years. If scores are level after normal time, the tie goes to extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout, since there are no replays. The winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League and also meets La Liga's champions in the season-opening Supercopa de Espana. Barcelona are the most decorated club in Copa del Rey history with 32 titles, well clear of Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid. Real Sociedad won the 2025/26 edition, beating Atletico Madrid on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final. For fans following scores and the draw, the Copa del Rey is valued for its unpredictability, since lower-division clubs regularly upset top-flight opposition in the early rounds.