On Friday evening, the draw for the semi-finals of the 2025-2026 Copa del Rey was held, resulting in a strong clash between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. The other side of the bracket will feature a Basque derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.
The Catalan team reached this stage after a 2-1 victory over Albacete, the team that had previously eliminated Real Madrid from the competition. Atlético Madrid qualified following a resounding 5-0 victory over Real Betis.
Athletic Bilbao secured their spot after defeating Valencia 2-1, while Real Sociedad managed to overcome Deportivo Alavés with a 3-2 scoreline. This completes the semi-final picture with two matches full of excitement and competitiveness.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a historic port city in northeastern Spain, renowned for its unique Catalan culture and distinctive architecture, particularly the modernist works of Antoni Gaudí like the Sagrada Família. Founded as a Roman colony in the 1st century BC, it later became a major medieval power and remains a vibrant economic and cultural hub today.
Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1903. Historically considered a symbol of resilience and working-class identity, the club has won numerous domestic and European titles, establishing a famous rivalry with Real Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Spain, founded in 1898. It is historically notable for its “cantera” policy, which mandates fielding only players native to or trained in the greater Basque Country region.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad is a professional football club based in San Sebastián, Spain, founded in 1909. Historically, it is known for its strong Basque identity and for winning two consecutive La Liga titles in the early 1980s. The club plays its home matches at the Anoeta Stadium, which has been its ground since 1993.
Albacete
Albacete is a city in southeastern Spain, historically known as an important crossroads and market center since the Middle Ages. It gained prominence in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway and is famous for its cutlery and dagger-making tradition. The city is also home to modern cultural sites like the Albacete Museum and the iconic Pasaje de Lodares shopping arcade.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and famous football clubs, historically renowned for its European success, including a record number of UEFA Champions League titles.
Real Betis
Real Betis is a professional football club based in Seville, Spain, founded in 1907. It is historically significant as one of the oldest clubs in Spanish football and is known for its passionate fanbase and distinctive green and white colors. The club’s history includes winning the La Liga title in the 1934-35 season and the Copa del Rey in 1977 and 2005.
Valencia
Valencia is a historic city on Spain’s eastern coast, founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC and later shaped by centuries of Moorish rule. It is renowned for its City of Arts and Sciences, a modern architectural complex, and for hosting the traditional festival of Las Fallas. The city’s historic center also contains landmarks like the Valencia Cathedral, which is said to house the Holy Grail.
Deportivo Alavés
Deportivo Alavés is a professional football club based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, founded in 1921. It is historically known for its passionate local support and a memorable run to the UEFA Cup final in 2001, where it narrowly lost to Liverpool. The club has experienced periods in both Spain’s top division, La Liga, and the second division throughout its history.
