Copa del Rey Round of 16 Results: Top-Flight Teams Advance
The first matches of the Copa del Rey round of 16 have concluded. This third round features 16 teams competing between January 14-16. Spain’s knockout cup competition is particularly special for lower division clubs, as it gives them the opportunity to face professional teams. In this round, four lower-tier teams (Elche, Almería, Pontevedra and Ourense) faced La Liga opposition, while the remaining fixtures saw top-flight teams face each other.
No Surprises as Underdogs Fall
All four teams from lower divisions (Elche, Almería, Pontevedra and Ourense) have been eliminated in this round of 16, ensuring there will be no Cinderella stories in the quarter-finals. All advancing teams will be from La Liga. Results so far include:
- Ourense 0-2 Valencia
- Pontevedra 0-1 Getafe
- Almería 2-3 Leganés
- Elche 0-4 Atlético Madrid
- Barcelona 5-1 Real Betis
Pontevedra (4th tier) narrowly lost to Getafe, who scored early and held on despite playing with 10 men for most of the match. Ourense (3rd tier) fell 0-2 to Valencia. Leganés secured a late 3-2 victory over second division Almería in an exciting encounter, while Elche (2nd tier) were thrashed 4-0 by Atlético Madrid. Barcelona cruised to a 5-1 win over Real Betis in the only all-La Liga matchup so far.
Upcoming Fixtures
The remaining round of 16 matches will be played on January 16:
- Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo
- Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano
- Athletic Club vs Osasuna
With the elimination of all lower division sides, the Copa del Rey quarter-finals will feature an all-La Liga lineup as the competition heats up in the latter stages.