Copa del Rey Shake-Up.. El Clásico Postponed as Spanish FA Introduces Major Format Changes
In a bold move aimed at enhancing the drama and structure of the competition, the Spanish Football Federation has announced significant changes to the Copa del Rey format for the 2025–2026 season—reshaping how the country’s top clubs will progress through the tournament.
According to the new regulations, the four clubs participating in the Spanish Super Cup—Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao—will now be placed in a separate draw path not only in the Round of 32, as was previously the case, but also in the Round of 16. This effectively prevents any direct clashes between them until at least the quarter-finals.
Delaying the Big Clashes: Tactical or Commercial?
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the decision reflects a dual-purpose strategy: on one hand, it ensures marquee matchups like El Clásico or the Madrid Derby are preserved for the later stages of the competition, thereby increasing their impact. On the other hand, it gives lower-tier clubs a more realistic chance to progress and potentially host elite teams on their home grounds, should they advance far enough.
The move is widely seen as part of a broader effort to strike a balance between competitive fairness and commercial appeal, especially in a footballing era where local tournaments are gaining global viewership and strategic media value.
All Roads Lead to Saudi Arabia
The four clubs involved will also take part in the upcoming Spanish Super Cup, scheduled for January 2026 in Saudi Arabia, a continuation of the Federation’s push for international exposure.
Last season, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Super Cup final and went on to secure a second major blow by winning the Copa del Rey—both under the leadership of new manager Hansi Flick. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is entering a new era under head coach Xabi Alonso, who now faces the challenge of restoring balance in the rivalry and pushing the team back to domestic cup glory.
What’s Next: Suspended Clashes, Guaranteed Drama?
Some critics might view the delay of top-tier clashes as a dilution of early-round intensity. However, the Federation argues the opposite: the tournament will now build tension gradually, reserving blockbuster matchups for when the stakes are highest.
Could this revamped format offer a fairer and more thrilling Copa del Rey? Will Xabi Alonso turn the tables in his first season in charge, or will Hansi Flick continue his dominance in Spanish finals?
The questions are many, but one thing is clear: the 2025–2026 Copa del Rey will be unlike any edition we’ve seen before.
