Monday, January 20, 2025, 1:37 p.m.
Out of the 116 teams that kicked off the Copa del Rey in october, only eight remain, all vying for a spot in the final scheduled for April 26 at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium.The quarterfinals, set for February 4-6, will be decided in single-match showdowns, marking a critical juncture in the tournament.
This stage of the competition lacks the high-profile Madrid derby or a Clásico, but it sets the stage for Spain’s football powerhouses to potentially clash in the semifinals or even the final. While the matchups may not carry the usual drama, they promise intense action and strategic battles.
Real Madrid is set to take on Leganés at Butarque, a team that has proven to be a formidable opponent this season, having defeated both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. leganés also has a history of success against Real Madrid, having triumphed in the 2017-18 quarterfinals before being avenged the following season in the round of 16.
This will mark the fourth copa del Rey encounter between Leganés and real Madrid, with memories of their dramatic two-legged tie still fresh. That clash saw Leganés reach the semifinals for the first and only time in their history, a feat they’ll be eager to replicate.
Under Zinedine Zidane’s leadership, Real madrid faced a shocking upset when Leganés overturned a first-leg defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu.marco Asensio’s late goal in Butarque wasn’t enough to prevent Leganés from securing a 1-2 victory in the return leg, thanks to goals from Javier Eraso and Gabriel. Real Madrid exacted revenge the next season with a dominant 3-0 win, though Leganés managed a consolation victory in Butarque with a goal from Martin Braithwaite.
Simultaneously occurring, Barcelona will travel to Mestalla to face valencia, a matchup with a storied history in the Copa del Rey. Their last meeting in the tournament was the 2019 final, where Valencia emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo moreno, overshadowing Lionel Messi’s effort.
Valencia and Barcelona have faced off 41 times in the Copa del Rey, with Barcelona holding the edge with 22 wins to Valencia’s ten, alongside nine draws. Despite the painful memory of the 2019 final, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enters as the favorite, having secured a 1-2 victory over Valencia in the league’s opening match. valencia, under Carlos Corberán, is working to regain form after a challenging start to the season.
The Unresolved Challenge for Bordalás
Atlético de Madrid is set to face Getafe at the Metropolitano Stadium in a highly anticipated clash. This encounter brings back memories of their last Copa del Rey meeting during the 2012-13 season, where Atlético secured a dominant 3-0 victory at the Vicente Calderón.Diego Costa shined with a brace, while Filipe Luís added another goal, sealing a comfortable win. The second leg ended in a goalless draw at the Coliseum, ensuring Atlético’s progression.
this match adds another chapter to the intense rivalry between managers Diego Pablo Simeone and José Bordalás. Simeone has historically held the upper hand, with ten victories and three draws in their thirteen encounters. Bordalás, though, will be eager to turn the tide and claim a significant win against his Argentine counterpart.
Meanwhile, the quarter-final stage will also feature Real Sociedad taking on Osasuna at Anoeta. This pairing mirrors last year’s round of 16 clash, where Real Sociedad emerged victorious with a 0-2 win at El Sadar, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino. Osasuna, fresh from defeating the reigning champions Athletic bilbao, will pose a formidable challenge as they aim to avenge last season’s defeat.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Atlético de Madrid vs. Getafe (Tuesday, February 4, 9:30 PM / La 1)
Leganés vs. Real Madrid (Wednesday,February 5,9:00 PM / Movistar +)
Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna (Thursday, February 6, 7:30 PM / Movistar +)
Valencia vs. Barcelona (Thursday, February 6, 9:30 PM / La 1)
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Copa del Rey 2025 Quarterfinals: A Stage for drama, Redemption, and Glory
As the 2025 Copa del Rey enters its quarterfinal stage, the tournament’s narrative is brimming with past rivalries, underdog ambitions, and the relentless pursuit of silverware. Out of the 116 teams that began their journey in October, only eight remain, each eyeing a place in the final at Seville’s iconic La Cartuja Stadium on April 26. The single-match knockout format from this stage onward ensures that every moment carries heightened stakes, with no room for error.
Real Madrid vs. Leganés: A Clash of History and Redemption
Real Madrid’s encounter with Leganés at Butarque promises to be a gripping affair. Leganés, the modest club from the Madrid suburbs, has proven its mettle this season by taking scalps from both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Their history against Real Madrid adds an extra layer of intrigue. In the 2017-18 season, Leganés stunned Los Blancos in the quarterfinals, overturning a first-leg defeat to secure a historic 1-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result that propelled them to their first and only semifinal appearance in the competition.
The scars of that defeat remain fresh for Real Madrid, who avenged the loss with a commanding 3-0 victory the following season. However, Leganés has consistently shown they can rise to the occasion at Butarque, as evidenced by Martin Braithwaite’s consolation goal in that same campaign. Under Zinedine zidane’s leadership, Real Madrid seeks to avoid another upset, but Leganés will undoubtedly fight to recapture the magic of their 2017-18 run.
Barcelona vs. Valencia: A Battle of Titans with Recent Baggage
Barcelona’s trip to Mestalla to face Valencia rekindles memories of their dramatic 2019 Copa del Rey final, where Valencia emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno. That defeat remains a painful chapter in Barcelona’s storied history, and Hansi Flick’s side will be eager to exorcise those demons.
The two teams have clashed 41 times in the Copa del Rey, with Barcelona holding a clear edge with 22 wins to Valencia’s 10. However, Valencia’s recent struggles under Carlos Corberán, coupled with Barcelona’s 1-2 league victory earlier in the season, make the blaugrana favorites. Yet, Valencia’s home advantage and their ability to rise to the occasion in cup competitions could tip the scales in their favor.
Atlético Madrid vs. Getafe: A Local Derby with a Point to prove
atlético Madrid’s clash with Getafe at the Metropolitano Stadium adds another layer of intensity to the quarterfinals. This encounter is steeped in local rivalry and history, with Atlético securing a dominant 3-0 victory in their last Copa del rey meeting during the 2012-13 season. Getafe, however, will be determined to rewrite the script and make their mark in this high-stakes fixture.
A Tournament of Opportunities
While this year’s quarterfinals may lack the marquee matchups of a Madrid derby or El Clásico, they set the stage for Spain’s footballing elite to possibly collide in the semifinals or final. The absence of high-profile clashes in this round does not diminish the drama; instead, it highlights the unpredictability and passion that define the Copa del Rey.
As the remaining teams battle for a place in the semifinals, one thing is certain: the 2025 Copa del Rey is a tournament where history is made, reputations are tested, and legends are born. Whether it’s Real Madrid’s quest for redemption, Barcelona’s bid to reclaim their dominance, or the underdogs’ dreams of glory, the quarterfinals promise to deliver unforgettable moments on the road to La Cartuja.
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on February 4-6, 2025.
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Moderator’s Note: The Copa del Rey’s knockout format ensures that every match is a potential turning point. With history, pride, and silverware on the line, the quarterfinals are where the heart of the tournament truly beats. Let the games begin!
