Real Madrid and Barcelona discover Copa del Rey last 16 opponents

The draw for the last 16 of the 2023/24 Copa del Rey has been made, with Real Madrid set to face city rivals Atletico Madrid.

The two giants from Spain’s capital are already due to face off in the Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday but will meet again later this month with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake.

Barcelona, who squeezed past fourth-tier Barbastro to book their last-16 place, will take on Unionistas de Salamanca, who caused one of the upsets of the last round by knocking out La Liga side Villarreal on penalties.

In the other ties between teams from Spain’s top flight, Getafe battle Sevilla, Athletic Club face Alaves, Osasuna take on Real Sociedad and Valencia meet Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid are the defending champions, beating Osasuna 2-1 in last season’s final thanks to Rodrygo’s brace. Carlo Ancelotti’s side knocked out Clasico rivals Barca in the semi-finals, powering their way to a 4-1 aggregate victory following to a 4-0 thrashing at Camp Nou.

Los Blancos have an excellent cup record against Atletico, progressing from eight of their last 12 Copa del Rey ties with their local foes.

Barca haven’t won the Copa del Rey since 2021, when Lionel Messi scored twice alongside strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong when Ronald Koeman was in charge as manager.

Atletico, 10-time winners of the competition, haven’t enjoyed success since 2013 when they bested Real 2-1 after Miranda netted in extra-time following efforts from Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa.

Madrid proved too strong for fourth-tier Arandina in the last round as goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo earned them a 3-1 win before their trip to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de Espana. They face Atletico in the Middle East, while Barca battle Osasuna on Thursday night.

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