The Road to the 2024 Spanish Copa del Rey Quarterfinals: A Detailed Preview
A Thrilling Clash of Underdogs: Mallorca vs. Girona
The excitement of the 2024 Spanish Copa del Rey reaches new heights as the competition enters its crucial quarterfinal stage. Two captivating matches are set to take place on Wednesday, January 24th, featuring intriguing clashes between Mallorca and Girona, followed by FC Barcelona facing off against Athletic Club.
The first quarterfinal match pits Mallorca, the surprise package of the tournament, against Girona, the current frontrunner in the LaLiga title race. Girona enters the match as the slight favorite, boasting an impressive 16-4-1 record and leading the league with 52 goals scored and 40 assists. However, Mallorca has proven to be a resilient team, capable of pulling off unexpected victories. Their journey to the quarterfinals included a dramatic 1-0 victory over Tenerife in the Round of 16, sealed by a 120th-minute goal from Canadian striker Cyle Larin.
The match will be played at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, Mallorca’s home ground, which is expected to provide a raucous atmosphere and give the hosts a significant advantage. The betting odds reflect this home-field advantage, with Mallorca receiving a boost in their chances of securing a victory.
FC Barcelona vs. Athletic Club: A Blockbuster Encounter
The second quarterfinal match promises to be a blockbuster encounter between two LaLiga powerhouses, FC Barcelona and Athletic Club. Both teams are currently in the top five of the league standings, separated by just two places and three points. Their previous meeting this season, in October 2023, resulted in a narrow 1-0 victory for Barcelona thanks to a late goal from Marc Guiu.
FC Barcelona, led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski and the creative João Félix, possesses a potent attack that has netted 40 goals in LaLiga, ranking them third in the league. However, they will face a stern test against Athletic Club, known for their solid defense that has conceded the third-fewest goals (21) in the league.
The match will take place at San Mamés, Athletic Club’s home stadium, which is renowned for its intimidating atmosphere. The Basque club will look to harness the energy of their passionate supporters to overcome Barcelona’s formidable challenge.
Broadcast Information: Catch the Action on ESPN+
Both Copa del Rey quarterfinal matches will be exclusively available to watch on the ESPN+ streaming service. ESPN+ offers a wide range of soccer coverage, including international events, Spanish LaLiga, German Bundesliga, and more. Subscribers can access the matches live or on-demand through the ESPN+ app on various devices.
For those who don’t have an ESPN+ subscription, there are several subscription options available. The monthly cost for ESPN+ is $10.99, but subscribers can save money by opting for an annual plan or bundling it with Disney+ and Hulu.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Journey to the Final
The stage is set for two captivating quarterfinal matches in the 2024 Spanish Copa del Rey. Mallorca and Girona will battle it out in a clash of underdogs, while FC Barcelona and Athletic Club will face off in a heavyweight showdown. With high stakes and unpredictable outcomes, these matches promise to deliver thrilling moments and memorable performances. Soccer fans worldwide will be glued to their screens as the road to the Copa del Rey final continues to unfold.