The King’s Cup returns with its third round draw taking place this Friday at 12:30, a moment that marks a pivotal stage in a competition already featuring a strong mix of Spanish football giants and rising clubs. The field for the Round of 32 includes 32 teams, with 17 hailing from LaLiga Santander, five from LaLiga SmartBank, eight from the First RFEF, and two from the Second RFEF. This blend promises high-stakes matchups and the potential for surprising upsets as the tournament progresses toward its decisive stages. (Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation)
The knockout tournament has four clubs that have yet to enter, namely Real Madrid, Barça, Valencia and Betis, primarily because their schedules aligned with the Super Cup in mid-January. The draw itself is set for 12:30, and the ceremony will be hosted at the Football City in Las Rozas, the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. This setting underscores the official, ceremonial nature of the event, while the pairing of teams signals the beginning of another chapter in a competition renowned for its drama and historic upsets. (Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation)
Infographic: Draw for the Round of 32 of the 2022-23 King’s Cup
Among the contenders, Ibiza Pitiusas and Cacereño, alongside two other sides from the First RFEF, must be considered dangerous opponents for the giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Betis. The reality is that the most compelling fixtures could well come from the lower tiers, where travel and home advantage can tilt the balance in unexpected ways. The teams from the higher divisions will travel on neutral and single-elimination matchdays, with ties scheduled for January 3, 4 and 5 on the road to Seville where the final will take place. (Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation)
There will be 17 LaLiga Santander clubs involved in the draw: Real Madrid, Betis, FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Getafe, Elche, Athletic Club, Mallorca, Villarreal, Espanyol, Rayo Vallecano, Real Valladolid, Sevilla, Osasuna, Real Sociedad and Celta de Vigo. The palette of clubs showcases the depth of Spain’s top division and the prestige attached to the King’s Cup, a competition that consistently delivers memorable moments and showcases the best of Spanish football. (Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation)
Moving to the lower rungs, five Second Division teams contribute to the remaining representation: Cartagena, Alavés, Levante, Sporting, and Real Oviedo, highlighting the ongoing struggle and aspiration found throughout the second tier. In addition, eight teams from the First RFEF will participate in the draw: La Nucía, Ceuta, Pontevedra, Logroñés, Eldense, Linares, Nástic and Intercity. The most modest entries come from the Second RFEF with Ibiza Pitiusas and Cacereño, illustrating the classic cup narrative where smaller clubs chase giant-killing opportunities. (Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation)