Defending Champions Begin Title Defense With Favourable Away Draw
FC Barcelona have officially been handed their opponent for the Copa del Rey Round of 32, setting up an away fixture against CD Guadalajara in what promises to be one of the round’s most intriguing matchups.
As one of the four clubs participating in the Spanish Super Cup alongside Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Athletic Club Barcelona entered the competition at this advanced stage, avoiding the gruelling early rounds faced by lower-tier teams.
The draw, conducted at the RFEF headquarters in Las Rozas, confirmed that all fixtures will be single-leg ties, scheduled between December 16 and 18, where cup upsets remain an ever-present danger despite the dominance of Spain’s elite clubs.
Barcelona will travel to Estadio Akron to face third-division side CD Guadalajara, who reached this stage after eliminating Cacereño and AD Ceuta. The hosts are riding a Cinderella wave, but the defending champions remain overwhelming favourites, even with expected squad rotation.
The Blaugrana, who lifted the trophy last season after defeating Real Madrid in the final, will begin their title defence with key returnees such as Marc-André ter Stegen while still managing notable injury absences including Gavi and Ronald Araujo.
Elsewhere in the draw,
- Real Madrid will take on CF Talavera,
- Atlético Madrid will visit Atlético Baleares,
- Athletic Club face Ourense.
Barcelona’s record 32 Copa del Rey titles heavily contrast Guadalajara’s modest history, marking this fixture as a classic giant-versus-underdog showdown though one that bookmakers expect to go comfortably in Barça’s favour.
For Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, the tie offers a low-pressure opportunity to integrate young talents, manage workloads, and build momentum toward another deep tournament run. Securing victory would keep the club on course for its ambitious multi-title objectives this season.
