Copa del Rey Round of 16 Draw: Barcelona to Face Racing Santander, Real Madrid vs Albacete
Toronto, January 7, 2026 – The draw for the Copa del Rey round of 16 was held today, setting up intriguing matchups for the 2025-26 season. Holders Barcelona will travel to Racing Santander, while Real Madrid heads to Albacete. The ties are scheduled for next week, just days after the Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia.
Draw Results
The complete draw for the last 16 features several high-profile clashes. Barcelona, fresh from their Supercopa semifinal against Athletic Club, will face Racing Santander at an away venue. Real Madrid, also in the Supercopa semis against Atlético Madrid, will play Albacete. Other notable fixtures include Deportivo La Coruña vs Atlético Madrid, Cultural Leonesa vs Athletic Club, Real Betis vs Elche, Real Sociedad vs Osasuna, and Alavés vs Rayo Vallecano.
Key Facts and Recent Matches
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Santander vs Barcelona | January 14, 2026 | El Sardinero, Santander |
| Albacete vs Real Madrid | January 15, 2026 | Carlos Belmonte, Albacete |
| Deportivo La Coruña vs Atlético Madrid | January 14, 2026 | Riazor, A Coruña |
| Cultural Leonesa vs Athletic Club | January 14, 2026 | Reino de León, León |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Copa del Rey?
The Copa del Rey is Spain’s primary national cup competition in football, organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. It features teams from various divisions and culminates in a final, typically held at a neutral venue.
Who are the most successful teams in Copa del Rey history?
Barcelona holds the record with 32 titles, followed by Athletic Bilbao with 24 and Real Madrid with 20. The competition began in 1903.
How does the draw work for the Copa del Rey?
The draw is conducted to pair remaining teams randomly, with higher-ranked teams often seeded to avoid early clashes among top clubs, though exceptions occur based on regional or logistical considerations.