Copa del Rey 2023 - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Copa del Rey is the premier knockout tournament in Spanish football, featuring teams from La Liga, Segunda Division, and lower divisions.
- 2. The 2023 Copa del Rey will be the 121st edition of the tournament, with the final scheduled to take place in May 2023.
- 3. The defending champions of the Copa del Rey are Barcelona, who won the 2022 edition by defeating Athletic Bilbao in the final.
- 4. The tournament typically begins in August with teams from lower divisions competing in the early rounds, before La Liga teams enter in the later stages.
- 5. The draw for the 2023 Copa del Rey will determine the matchups for each round, with teams playing home and away legs in the early rounds.
- 6. The semifinals of the Copa del Rey are played over two legs, with the winners advancing to the final to compete for the trophy.
- 7. The Copa del Rey is known for producing dramatic upsets, with lower division teams often causing surprises by defeating top-flight opposition.
- 8. The winner of the Copa del Rey earns a spot in the following season's UEFA Europa League, providing an additional incentive for teams to perform well in the tournament.
- 9. The Copa del Rey final is traditionally held at a neutral venue, with previous finals taking place at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville and the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
- 10. The Copa del Rey is one of the oldest football competitions in Spain, with a rich history dating back to its inception in 1903. The tournament is steeped in tradition and remains a prestigious trophy for clubs to win.