All details of the latest KO tournament edition are available here.
After 55 matches in the first knockout round of the Copa del Rey, the competition moves into its second round. The KO format continues with 55 teams already eliminated, and Goal provides a complete briefing on what’s ahead.
GUIDE TO THE ROYAL BAB 2023-24
Copa del Rey 2023-2024 second qualifying round: schedule, matchups, qualifications, pairings, results and dates
A total of 56 clubs will take part in this round, with 55 advancing from the initial stage and one debutant, SD Amorebieta, entering as the reigning champion of the First Federation for 2022-2023.
Across December 5, 6 and 7, 2023, 28 matches will be contested. Winners advance to the third round, also known as the round of 32, where the field expands and the drama intensifies.
At this stage, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and Osasuna are not yet involved because they are competing in the 2024 Spanish Super Cup. Their Copa del Rey journey resumes in the round of 32, where the big clubs typically rejoin the fold.
Each tie is decided over a single match. If the result after 90 minutes is level, extra time will be played, and if necessary, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.
Qualified teams:
- Rayo Vallecano,
- Girona,
- Cádiz,
- Almería,
- Las Palmas,
- Real Sociedad B,
- Eibar,
- Cartagena,
- Valladolid,
- Sporting de Gijón,
- Alcorcón,
- Leganés,
- Tenerife,
- UD Melilla,
- Linares,
- Castellón
Looking ahead to the draw, the proceedings are set to be confirmed in a ceremonial draw on November 7 at 1:00 PM, hosted at the Luis Aragonés Hall within Ciudad del Fútbol. A field of 56 teams will be drawn to determine the pairings for this stage of the competition.
For fans and bettors alike, this round is a crucial test of depth and form. The format rewards squads that can translate domestic success into the knockout arena, while underdogs often seize the moment to prove they belong among the nation’s top teams. The knockout structure ensures each match carries heightened tension, with clubs preparing carefully to exploit every tactical edge and home advantage when available.
Notes on participation: the round welcomes a mix of established La Liga clubs, ambitious second-tier squads, and emerging teams that performed well in the prior rounds. The inclusion of SD Amorebieta marks a key moment as the First Federation’s champions enter the competition at this stage, bringing renewed energy and competitive balance to the knockout rounds.
Events and results in this phase will shape the path to the round of 32, where the draw will pair more teams from the top divisions with those from lower tiers in a spectacle that blends tradition with the unpredictable flair of cup football. The outcomes of these matches can redefine campaign trajectories, offering both a route to silverware and a platform for rising clubs to harvest national recognition.
Source: Goal