2024 Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Draw: Barcelona to Face Athletic Club, Atlético Madrid to Battle Sevilla
Barcelona’s Redemption Road: From Super Cup Disappointment to Copa del Rey Quarterfinals
Barcelona’s journey in the 2023-24 Copa del Rey has been a tale of resilience and redemption. After a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Xavi’s side faced immense pressure to deliver in the Copa del Rey, Spain’s premier knockout football competition.
The Blaugrana responded with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca, securing their place in the quarterfinals. Despite an unconvincing performance, the win provided a much-needed boost of confidence for a team reeling from the Super Cup debacle.
Barcelona’s Copa del Rey campaign has been marked by a mix of dominant displays and occasional struggles. In the Round of 32, they cruised past CF Intercity with a 4-3 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, their unconvincing performance against Unionistas de Salamanca raised questions about their consistency.
The upcoming quarterfinal clash against Athletic Club presents a significant challenge for Barcelona. The Basque side, led by former Barça coach Ernesto Valverde, is a formidable opponent with a rich history in the Copa del Rey. They have won the trophy 23 times, second only to Barcelona’s 31 titles.
In their previous meeting in LaLiga in October, Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a late winner from young forward Marc Guiu. The match was a tight affair, highlighting the competitive nature of the rivalry between these two storied clubs.
Atlético Madrid’s Resurgence: Copa del Rey Hopes Alive After Madrid Derby Triumph
Atlético Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign has been a tale of resurgence and redemption. After a disappointing start to the season, which saw them eliminated from the Champions League group stage and struggling in LaLiga, Diego Simeone’s side has found renewed vigor in the Copa del Rey.
The Rojiblancos produced a stunning performance in the Round of 16, ousting defending champions Real Madrid with a 4-2 extra-time victory at the Metropolitano. The win was a major statement of intent from Atlético, demonstrating their determination to challenge for silverware this season.
Atlético’s Copa del Rey hopes will face a stern test in the quarterfinals, as they take on Sevilla, a team that has won the competition five times. Sevilla may be struggling in LaLiga, but they remain a dangerous opponent with a wealth of experience in knockout competitions.
Surprise Package Girona Aims to Continue Dream Run Against Mallorca
Girona, the surprise leaders of LaLiga, will aim to continue their dream run in the Copa del Rey when they face Mallorca in the quarterfinals. The Catalan club has been the revelation of the season, exceeding all expectations with their attacking style of play and impressive results.
Girona’s Copa del Rey journey has been equally impressive. They cruised past Cacereño 5-0 in the Round of 32 and then defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1 in the Round of 16. Their attacking prowess has been on full display, with Cristhian Stuani and Rodrigo Riquelme leading the charge.
Mallorca, on the other hand, has been a defensive stalwart in the Copa del Rey, yet to concede a goal in the competition. They will pose a significant challenge to Girona’s attacking ambitions, making this quarterfinal clash a fascinating tactical battle.
Celta Vigo’s Quest for Maiden Copa Title: Real Sociedad Stands in Their Way
Celta Vigo, three-time Copa del Rey finalists, will be aiming to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2001 when they host Real Sociedad in the quarterfinals. The Galician club has been in impressive form this season, occupying a top-half position in LaLiga and showcasing their attacking flair.
Celta Vigo’s Copa del Rey campaign has been characterized by dominant performances. They thrashed CD Rincón 3-0 in the Round of 32 and then dispatched UD Ibiza Islas Pitiusas 5-1 in the Round of 16. Their attacking trio of Iago Aspas, Gabri Veiga, and Jorgen Strand Larsen has been firing on all cylinders.
Real Sociedad, however, will be a tough opponent for Celta Vigo. The Basque club has a strong recent record in the Copa del Rey, reaching the semifinals in 2020 and 2021. They also defeated Celta Vigo in the Round of 16 last season, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry.
Quarterfinal Fixtures and Dates:
* Athletic Club vs. Barcelona – January 23
* Celta Vigo vs. Real Sociedad – January 24
* Mallorca vs. Girona – January 24
* Atlético Madrid vs. Sevilla – January 25
The Copa del Rey quarterfinals promise to deliver exciting and unpredictable football, with four intriguing matchups set to determine the semifinalists. Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Girona, and Celta Vigo will all be aiming to progress and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.