The Legend of Windmills and Giants

From the very first round, the Copa del Rey is a beautiful journey — and it is no secret that the excitement and belief grow stronger with every tie successfully negotiated.

Only a select few earn the right to experience the decisive stages of the tournament, and this season’s quarter-finals are proof of that. The seven LaLiga sides who have reached this round share an astonishing total of 80 Copa del Rey titles between them: FC Barcelona (32), Athletic Club (24), Atlético de Madrid (10), Valencia CF (8), Real Sociedad (3), Real Betis Balompié (3) and Deportivo Alavés, who are still chasing their first triumph. Standing among these giants, however, is a club writing a story of its own — Albacete Balompié.

The side from La Mancha have pulled off a remarkable run to reach the last eight, beginning in the First Round and overcoming San Fernando (3–0), Leganés (2–1), RC Celta de Vigo on penalties and, most notably, Real Madrid (3–2). A true fairytale journey that now sets them up for a head-to-head clash with the ‘Kings of the Cup’.

FC Barcelona, the defending champions, arrive having brushed aside Guadalajara (2–0) and Racing de Santander (2–0). Their quarter-final showdown with Albacete will open the round on Tuesday at 21:00.

Joint draw for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina on Friday, 6 February

Wednesday’s action carries a distinct Basque flavour. Deportivo Alavés host Real Sociedad in Vitoria, where the txuri-urdin will be aiming to take another step towards what would be their eighth Copa del Rey final. The hosts, meanwhile, are dreaming of etching their name into the competition’s history after eliminating Getxo, Portugalete, Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.

At the same time, 21:00 in the city of Valencia will see two historic clubs go head to head. Valencia CF and Athletic Club — eight and 24-time winners respectively — put a combined total of 32 Copa del Rey titles on the line in a classic encounter with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Relive the quarter-final draw

The quarter-final round concludes on Thursday with Real Betis Balompié facing Atlético de Madrid. The Andalusian side arrive in fine scoring form, having netted 15 goals and conceded just three across four rounds, and will be hoping to repeat the feat they achieved in 2022. Standing in their way is an Atlético side dreaming of a return to the final for the first time since 2013, after eliminating Atlético Baleares and RC Deportivo de La Coruña.

The Copa del Rey has entered its decisive stretch — where dreams sharpen and history beckons. Every contender has a reason to keep believing. Now, all that remains is for the ball to roll.

Quarter-final kick-off times:

COPA DEL REY MAPFRE – QUARTER-FINALS | 2025–26 SEASON

FOTO: Albacete Balompié.