FC Barcelona have officially learned their Copa del Rey Round of 32 opponents, setting up an intriguing away clash.
The four Spanish Super Cup participants—Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Athletic Club—bypassed earlier rounds, entering directly at this knockout stage against lower-division sides who have battled through preliminary ties.
Conducted at RFEF headquarters in Las Rozas, the single-leg away fixtures set for December 16-18 promise routine progression for the elite quartet, though cup shocks remain a perennial threat in Spain’s most historic competition.
Barcelona will face CD Guadalajara away at Estadio Akron, a third-tier outfit that advanced past Cacereño and AD Ceuta in prior rounds, as per the official RFEF X page.
The Blaugrana, who lifted the trophy last season after defeating Real Madrid in the final, begin their title defense against the modest hosts in front of an expected 6,000 fans, echoing past favorable draws that eased early progression.
Guadalajara’s Cinderella run adds intrigue, but Hansi Flick’s squad—bolstered by recent returns like Marc-André ter Stegen—holds overwhelming favoritism despite rotation needs post-Eintracht Frankfurt.
Real Madrid drew CF Talavera, Atlético Baleares host Atlético Madrid, and Ourense challenge Athletic Club in the other big ties.
Barcelona’s 32 Copa triumphs dwarf Guadalajara’s modest history, making this a textbook giant-killing opportunity turned banker for punters.
Deco and Flick will welcome the low-stakes opener, allowing youth integration amid injury concerns like Gavi and Ronald Araujo’s absences.
Success here sustains quadruple dreams, with the path clearing toward familiar foes in later stages.
Barcelona’s favorable Copa del Rey draw sets up an ideal title defense launchpad, allowing Hansi Flick to rotate squad depth against Guadalajara while preserving energy for league and European battles.
The December 16-18 clash at Estadio Akron promises routine progression for the champions, fueling hopes of another deep run in Spain’s iconic knockout competition.
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