Copa del Rey 2022-2023 round of 16 draw: date, format, teams and schedule

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Copa del Rey 2022-2023 round of 16 draw: when is it, date, day, time, how the process works, format and participating teams

The 2022-2023 Copa del Rey advances toward its critical phase as January arrives, bringing the round of 16 and the eight qualifiers who will push through to the quarterfinals. This stage defines a clear path for clubs across the league system, with the best of the season so far facing a knockout format that can redefine momentum for the remainder of the campaign.

The round of 16 draw for the 2022-2023 Copa del Rey was scheduled for Saturday, January 7, at 1 p.m. local time, revealing the 16 teams that earned the right to compete in this round. The matches themselves were set to unfold on Tuesday, January 17, Wednesday, January 18, and Thursday, January 19, 2023, providing multiple midweek fixtures that would test squad depth and strategic planning for coaches and managers alike.

How the draw operates and the single-match format for the 2022-2023 Copa del Rey round of 16

The tournament progresses with eight qualifiers and 16 teams in the round of 16 draw, where every participant is confirmed to reach this stage. During the draw, lower-tier teams are paired with higher-tier opponents whenever possible, and the home advantage is generally awarded to the club from the lower division where feasible. Given the presence of 17 First Division clubs in the round of 16, it is possible for matchups to feature all top-tier teams; when this occurs, the process remains equitable by hosting the tie at the stadium of the team drawn first.

From a logistical standpoint, the fixtures take place at the home venues of the lower-category clubs, provided they meet the minimum standards set by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Each tie is decided in a single match; if the score ends level after regular time, extra time is played, and if necessary, penalties follow to determine the winner. This structure keeps the competition fast-paced and highly drama-driven, with the potential for upsets to reshape the quarterfinal field.

Participants for the 2022-2023 Copa del Rey round of 16 draw

The clubs that reached the round of 16 in this edition of the Copa del Rey include a mix of established powerhouses and competitive mid-table teams. The lineup features:

  • Valencia
  • Villarreal
  • Espanyol
  • Ceuta
  • Real Madrid
  • Sporting de Gijón
  • Levante UD
  • Sevilla
  • Mallorca
  • Real Sociedad
  • Atlético Madrid
  • Alavés
  • Barcelona
  • Betis
  • Osasuna
  • Athletic Bilbao

These matchups became the focal point as teams aimed to capitalize on momentum gained in the earlier rounds. The round of 16 not only tests current form but also showcases the depth and resilience of squads competing across Spain’s football pyramid. The outcomes of these ties would set the stage for the ensuing knockout rounds and potential upsets that often define the narrative of the Copa del Rey during this phase of the season.

Sources covering the event have noted the organizing structure and scheduling details as crucial for clubs managing congested calendars. The format reinforces the need for strategic planning, squad rotation, and early preparation for opponents that may emerge from different divisions. The round of 16 thereby functions as a bridge between the early rounds and the late-stage knockout rounds, emphasizing both quality and tactical flexibility as keys to success. (Goal)

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