[{"id":700,"name":"Copa del Rey","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"domestic_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-05T08:58:23.978Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-16T22:30:53.755Z","stb_id":"copa-del-rey","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"# Copa del Rey: Spain's Prestigious Knockout Tournament\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe **Copa del Rey** is Spain's premier knockout football cup competition and the oldest tournament in Spanish football. Officially titled \"Campeonato de España–Copa de Su Majestad el Rey\" (Championship of Spain–His Majesty the King's Cup), it represents the highest level of cup competition in the Spanish football system. The Copa del Rey football tournament stands as a cornerstone of Spanish sporting culture, attracting millions of viewers both domestically and internationally. With its rich history and tradition of dramatic matches, the Copa del Rey statistics demonstrate its enduring appeal in the football world, often producing unexpected results and memorable encounters between teams from different tiers of Spanish football.\n\n## History\n\nThe Copa del Rey was **established in 1903**, predating La Liga (Spain's top-flight league) by 25 years. The competition was initially created to determine Spain's national football champion before the establishment of a league system. Throughout its existence, the tournament's name has reflected Spain's political landscape, being renamed the \"Copa del Presidente de la República\" during the Second Spanish Republic (1932-1936) and \"Copa del Generalísimo\" during Franco's dictatorship (1939-1976), before reverting to its current name after the restoration of the monarchy in 1976.\n\nThe Copa del Rey creation coincided with Spain's growing interest in football at the turn of the 20th century. Its development has seen numerous format changes, transitioning from a simple knockout competition among a handful of clubs to today's extensive tournament involving teams from multiple divisions. The Copa del Rey history has been graced by legendary Spanish footballers including Telmo Zarra, Alfredo Di Stéfano, László Kubala, and in more recent times, stars like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Ramos, all of whom have left their mark on this prestigious competition.\n\n## Competition Format\n\nThe Copa del Rey format operates as a **single-elimination knockout tournament** that brings together clubs from various levels of Spanish football, including La Liga (first division), Segunda División (second division), and lower regional leagues. Following significant reforms implemented in the 2019-20 season, the Copa del Rey rules now stipulate that most matches are decided in single-leg ties, with lower-division clubs typically hosting games against higher-tier opponents, adding to the potential for surprising upsets.\n\nOnly the semi-finals maintain a two-legged format, while the final is contested at a predetermined neutral venue, currently the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The Copa del Rey tournament awards the winner not only the prestigious trophy but also qualification for the UEFA Europa League (unless already qualified through league position) and a place in the Supercopa de España alongside the Copa runner-up and the top two La Liga finishers.\n\n## Famous Teams\n\nThree clubs have dominated the Copa del Rey teams landscape throughout its history. **FC Barcelona** stands as the most successful club with 32 titles, their most recent triumph coming in 2025. The Catalan giants have particularly excelled in the competition during recent decades, cementing their status as Copa del Rey winners with remarkable consistency.\n\n**Athletic Bilbao** holds a special place in Copa del Rey clubs history with 24 titles, including their victory in the 2024 edition. The Basque side maintains a unique policy of fielding only players of Basque origin or formation, making their success in this national competition particularly noteworthy.\n\n**Real Madrid** completes the triumvirate of most successful teams with 20 titles. The historical rivalry between \"Barcelona\" and \"Real Madrid\" has produced some of the most memorable Copa del Rey finals, with these \"El Clásico\" encounters generating intense interest beyond Spain's borders.\n\nOther significant clubs in the competition's history include \"Atlético Madrid\", \"Valencia\", and \"Zaragoza\", each having secured multiple titles and contributed to the rich tapestry of Copa del Rey history.\n\n## Statistics and Records\n\nThe Copa del Rey records are largely dominated by Barcelona's achievements, with their 32 championships standing as the benchmark for success. Athletic Bilbao's 24 titles place them second in the all-time list, a remarkable achievement considering they haven't always competed in the top tier of Spanish football.\n\nIn terms of individual Copa del Rey statistics, Lionel Messi holds numerous records from his time at Barcelona, including most finals scored in and most goals in the competition by a single player in the modern era. The tournament has witnessed incredible scoring feats, dramatic comebacks, and exceptional performances that have entered Spanish football folklore.\n\nOne notable Copa del Rey players record belongs to goalkeeper José Ramón Esnaola of \"Real Betis\", who remarkably scored the equalizing goal in the 1977 final against \"Athletic Bilbao\" before his team went on to win in the penalty shootout—an extremely rare occurrence for a goalkeeper.\n\n## Current State\n\nThe Copa del Rey season typically runs alongside the league campaign, commencing in the early autumn and concluding with the final in spring. The current format involves over 120 teams from across the Spanish football pyramid, making it one of the most inclusive national cup competitions in Europe.\n\nToday, the Copa del Rey maintains its prestige as a coveted trophy in Spanish football, with clubs from La Liga dominating the latter stages but occasionally facing stern challenges from lower-division sides. The competition receives extensive media coverage throughout Spain and has growing international viewership, particularly during the later rounds when the country's football powerhouses clash.\n\nThe Copa del Rey overview in recent years shows a competition that continues to evolve while preserving its historical significance. The tournament's current format, with its emphasis on giving smaller clubs home advantage against top-tier opponents, has reinvigorated interest and created more opportunities for memorable upsets.\n\n## Interesting Facts\n\nThe Copa del Rey interesting history includes the fact that the trophy has undergone 12 different designs throughout its existence. According to competition rules, clubs can permanently keep a trophy if they win three consecutive titles or five titles in total, leading to multiple versions of the cup being created over the decades.\n\nOne of the most surprising Copa del Rey facts involves \"Real Madrid Castilla\" (Real Madrid's reserve team), which remarkably reached the final in 1980, ultimately losing to their senior team. Reserve teams were permitted to participate until the 1990-91 season.\n\nThe Copa del Rey stories of unexpected victories by underdogs have become legendary in Spanish football. Perhaps the most famous upset occurred in 2002 when \"Deportivo La Coruña\" overcame a 4-0 first-leg deficit against \"Real Madrid\" to win 5-4 on aggregate in what became known as the \"Centenariazo\" (ruining Real Madrid's centenary celebrations).\n\nAnother Copa del Rey interesting tradition is the presentation of the trophy by the Spanish monarch, underscoring the competition's royal connection and prestigious standing in Spanish sporting culture.\n\nOften compared to England's FA Cup and Italy's Coppa Italia in terms of format and prestige, the Copa del Rey continues to occupy a special place in Spanish football, offering clubs of all sizes the chance to make history and claim one of the sport's oldest and most respected trophies.","active":true,"short_code":null,"category":2,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fb8b-ea7b-7004-87cb-6f47508379a7","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

Copa del Rey: Spain's Prestigious Knockout Tournament

Introduction

The Copa del Rey is Spain's premier knockout football cup competition and the oldest tournament in Spanish football. Officially titled \"Campeonato de España–Copa de Su Majestad el Rey\" (Championship of Spain–His Majesty the King's Cup), it represents the highest level of cup competition in the Spanish football system. The Copa del Rey football tournament stands as a cornerstone of Spanish sporting culture, attracting millions of viewers both domestically and internationally. With its rich history and tradition of dramatic matches, the Copa del Rey statistics demonstrate its enduring appeal in the football world, often producing unexpected results and memorable encounters between teams from different tiers of Spanish football.

History

The Copa del Rey was established in 1903, predating La Liga (Spain's top-flight league) by 25 years. The competition was initially created to determine Spain's national football champion before the establishment of a league system. Throughout its existence, the tournament's name has reflected Spain's political landscape, being renamed the \"Copa del Presidente de la República\" during the Second Spanish Republic (1932-1936) and \"Copa del Generalísimo\" during Franco's dictatorship (1939-1976), before reverting to its current name after the restoration of the monarchy in 1976.

The Copa del Rey creation coincided with Spain's growing interest in football at the turn of the 20th century. Its development has seen numerous format changes, transitioning from a simple knockout competition among a handful of clubs to today's extensive tournament involving teams from multiple divisions. The Copa del Rey history has been graced by legendary Spanish footballers including Telmo Zarra, Alfredo Di Stéfano, László Kubala, and in more recent times, stars like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Ramos, all of whom have left their mark on this prestigious competition.

Competition Format

The Copa del Rey format operates as a single-elimination knockout tournament that brings together clubs from various levels of Spanish football, including La Liga (first division), Segunda División (second division), and lower regional leagues. Following significant reforms implemented in the 2019-20 season, the Copa del Rey rules now stipulate that most matches are decided in single-leg ties, with lower-division clubs typically hosting games against higher-tier opponents, adding to the potential for surprising upsets.

Only the semi-finals maintain a two-legged format, while the final is contested at a predetermined neutral venue, currently the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The Copa del Rey tournament awards the winner not only the prestigious trophy but also qualification for the UEFA Europa League (unless already qualified through league position) and a place in the Supercopa de España alongside the Copa runner-up and the top two La Liga finishers.

Famous Teams

Three clubs have dominated the Copa del Rey teams landscape throughout its history. FC Barcelona stands as the most successful club with 32 titles, their most recent triumph coming in 2025. The Catalan giants have particularly excelled in the competition during recent decades, cementing their status as Copa del Rey winners with remarkable consistency.

Athletic Bilbao holds a special place in Copa del Rey clubs history with 24 titles, including their victory in the 2024 edition. The Basque side maintains a unique policy of fielding only players of Basque origin or formation, making their success in this national competition particularly noteworthy.

Real Madrid completes the triumvirate of most successful teams with 20 titles. The historical rivalry between \"Barcelona\" and \"Real Madrid\" has produced some of the most memorable Copa del Rey finals, with these \"El Clásico\" encounters generating intense interest beyond Spain's borders.

Other significant clubs in the competition's history include \"Atlético Madrid\", \"Valencia\", and \"Zaragoza\", each having secured multiple titles and contributed to the rich tapestry of Copa del Rey history.

Statistics and Records

The Copa del Rey records are largely dominated by Barcelona's achievements, with their 32 championships standing as the benchmark for success. Athletic Bilbao's 24 titles place them second in the all-time list, a remarkable achievement considering they haven't always competed in the top tier of Spanish football.

In terms of individual Copa del Rey statistics, Lionel Messi holds numerous records from his time at Barcelona, including most finals scored in and most goals in the competition by a single player in the modern era. The tournament has witnessed incredible scoring feats, dramatic comebacks, and exceptional performances that have entered Spanish football folklore.

One notable Copa del Rey players record belongs to goalkeeper José Ramón Esnaola of \"Real Betis\", who remarkably scored the equalizing goal in the 1977 final against \"Athletic Bilbao\" before his team went on to win in the penalty shootout—an extremely rare occurrence for a goalkeeper.

Current State

The Copa del Rey season typically runs alongside the league campaign, commencing in the early autumn and concluding with the final in spring. The current format involves over 120 teams from across the Spanish football pyramid, making it one of the most inclusive national cup competitions in Europe.

Today, the Copa del Rey maintains its prestige as a coveted trophy in Spanish football, with clubs from La Liga dominating the latter stages but occasionally facing stern challenges from lower-division sides. The competition receives extensive media coverage throughout Spain and has growing international viewership, particularly during the later rounds when the country's football powerhouses clash.

The Copa del Rey overview in recent years shows a competition that continues to evolve while preserving its historical significance. The tournament's current format, with its emphasis on giving smaller clubs home advantage against top-tier opponents, has reinvigorated interest and created more opportunities for memorable upsets.

Interesting Facts

The Copa del Rey interesting history includes the fact that the trophy has undergone 12 different designs throughout its existence. According to competition rules, clubs can permanently keep a trophy if they win three consecutive titles or five titles in total, leading to multiple versions of the cup being created over the decades.

One of the most surprising Copa del Rey facts involves \"Real Madrid Castilla\" (Real Madrid's reserve team), which remarkably reached the final in 1980, ultimately losing to their senior team. Reserve teams were permitted to participate until the 1990-91 season.

The Copa del Rey stories of unexpected victories by underdogs have become legendary in Spanish football. Perhaps the most famous upset occurred in 2002 when \"Deportivo La Coruña\" overcame a 4-0 first-leg deficit against \"Real Madrid\" to win 5-4 on aggregate in what became known as the \"Centenariazo\" (ruining Real Madrid's centenary celebrations).

Another Copa del Rey interesting tradition is the presentation of the trophy by the Spanish monarch, underscoring the competition's royal connection and prestigious standing in Spanish sporting culture.

Often compared to England's FA Cup and Italy's Coppa Italia in terms of format and prestige, the Copa del Rey continues to occupy a special place in Spanish football, offering clubs of all sizes the chance to make history and claim one of the sport's oldest and most respected trophies.

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At different times, she **fought for the championship**, experienced **financial disasters**, and trained **future stars of world football**.\n\nThis is a club that knew how to **stop giants**, win **European Cups**, and then fall into crisis and **resurrect** again. **\"Valencia\"** is always a **history of struggle**. And regardless of whether it is currently at the top or in crisis, one thing is constant: this team has a **heart** that beats stronger than all difficulties.\n\n> \"Valencia is a club that proves that true greatness is measured not only by victories, but also by the ability to rise from falls.\"","sporting_achievements":"## History of \"Valencia\": great victories and difficult times\n\n**Valencia** was born in **1919**, when a group of enthusiasts decided to create their club in a city where football was just **starting to develop**. As early as **1931**, the team reached **La Liga** for the first time, and since then almost **did not leave the elite**.\n\n**The first golden period of the club** began in the 40s**. **Valencia** won **three Spanish championships** (**1942, 1944, 1947**) and **two Spanish Cups**. The team played **attacking football** and was one of the **most dangerous opponents** in the country.\n\n**The next big boom** – the end of the **90s** – the beginning of the **2000s**. Then **Valencia** reached the **Champions League final** twice (**2000, 2001**), but lost twice – first to **Real Madrid**, then to **Bavaria** in a penalty shootout.\n\n> \"However, already in 2004, the club under the leadership of Rafa Benitez took the championship of La Liga and won the UEFA Cup, becoming the strongest team in Europe after the giants.\"\n\n**And then - the fall.** Financial problems, constant changes of coaches, selling of leaders. The club went through **difficult times**, but each time found the strength to rise. In **2019**, **100 years after its foundation**, **\"Valencia\"** did the impossible - won the **Cup of Spain**, defeating **\"Barcelona\"** in the final.\n\n**Today the team** is going through a bad period, but if we know anything about **Valencia**, it always **finds a way to come back**.","club_identity":"## Valencia Stadium\n\nThe home arena of **Valencia** is **Mestalla**, one of the **oldest and most atmospheric stadiums in Spain**. Opened in **1923**, it accommodates more than **48 thousand fans**.\n\n**What makes Mestalla special?** These are **very cool stands** that create a **pressure effect on the opponent**. The visiting players don't just feel the fans - they **literally see them**.\n\n> \"Valencia fans are some of the most loyal in Spain. They can boo their own team for a poor performance, but when they need to support them, they will do it in such a way that the stadium shakes.\"\n\n**The only thing** that overshadows the legend of **\"Mestali\"** is the **unfinished construction of the new stadium**, which has been going on since **2007**. But until that day comes, **\"Mestalja\"** remains **the real fortress of the club**.\n\n## Achievements of \"Valencia\"\n\n**Valencia** is one of **the most titled clubs in Spain**:\n\n* **Champion of Spain (6 times)** – **1942, 1944, 1947, 1971, 2002, 2004**.\n* **Cup of Spain (8 times)** – **1941, 1949, 1954, 1967, 1979, 1999, 2008, 2019**.\n* **UEFA Cup (1 time)** – **2004**.\n* **UEFA Super Cup (2 times)** – **1980, 2004**.\n* **Champions League finalist (2 times)** – **2000, 2001**.","current_status_and_future":"## Famous players of \"Valencia\": who created the history of the club\n\n**\"Valencia\"** brought up and introduced to the world **many great football players**:\n\n1. **Mario Kempes** – **Argentine forward** who brought the club **first European Cup title in 1980**.\n\n2. **Gayska Mendieta** – **symbol of \"Valencia\"** of the beginning of the **2000s**, an incredible leader of the midfield.\n\n3. **David Villa** is one of the **best strikers in the history of Spain**, who became a star in **Valencia**.\n\n4. **Santiago Cañizares** is a **legendary goalkeeper** who **saved the team** for years.\n\n5. **David Silva** is a **student of the club**, who later became a legend of **\"Manchester City\"**.\n\n## Interesting facts about \"Valencia\"\n\n1. **The oldest anthem** among **La Liga** clubs – **Valencia** has an official anthem that has been sung since the **1920s**.\n\n2. **The bat on the emblem** is the **symbol of the city of Valencia**, and its history dates back to the days of the **Reconquista**.\n\n3. **Two Champions League final defeats in a row** – **2000 and 2001** remain **the most painful moments** in the club's history.\n\n4. **Record season 2004** – **championship, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup** – **best year** in modern history.\n\n5. **Dramatic struggle for survival** – in **2016** the club was almost relegated to **Segunda**, but held on.\n\n> \"Valencia reminds us that true champions are those who find the strength to fight even in the darkest moments.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Valencia** remains **one of the most respected clubs** in Spanish football, despite all the **financial and sporting difficulties**. Can the team **bring back the golden days** of the early **2000s**? One thing can be said for sure — the **spirit of Mestalla** and **bat traditions** make **Valencia** a special place where **history lives** in every corner, and **faith in rebirth** never fades. This is a club that **proves** that true greatness is measured not only by **trophies**, but also by **the ability to get back up** after every fall.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe5-afe3-758d-81d7-a8e1c8f70ed9","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Football team \"Valencia\"

Founded in 1919, the team from the city of the same name has always been among the main forces of La Liga. At different times, she fought for the championship, experienced financial disasters, and trained future stars of world football.

This is a club that knew how to stop giants, win European Cups, and then fall into crisis and resurrect again. \"Valencia\" is always a history of struggle. And regardless of whether it is currently at the top or in crisis, one thing is constant: this team has a heart that beats stronger than all difficulties.

\n
\"Valencia is a club that proves that true greatness is measured not only by victories, but also by the ability to rise from falls.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of \"Valencia\": great victories and difficult times

Valencia was born in 1919, when a group of enthusiasts decided to create their club in a city where football was just starting to develop. As early as 1931, the team reached La Liga for the first time, and since then almost did not leave the elite.

The first golden period of the club began in the 40s**. Valencia won three Spanish championships (1942, 1944, 1947) and two Spanish Cups. The team played attacking football and was one of the most dangerous opponents in the country.

The next big boom – the end of the 90s – the beginning of the 2000s. Then Valencia reached the Champions League final twice (2000, 2001), but lost twice – first to Real Madrid, then to Bavaria in a penalty shootout.

\n
\"However, already in 2004, the club under the leadership of Rafa Benitez took the championship of La Liga and won the UEFA Cup, becoming the strongest team in Europe after the giants.\"
\n

And then - the fall. Financial problems, constant changes of coaches, selling of leaders. The club went through difficult times, but each time found the strength to rise. In 2019, 100 years after its foundation, \"Valencia\" did the impossible - won the Cup of Spain, defeating \"Barcelona\" in the final.

Today the team is going through a bad period, but if we know anything about Valencia, it always finds a way to come back.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Valencia Stadium

The home arena of Valencia is Mestalla, one of the oldest and most atmospheric stadiums in Spain. Opened in 1923, it accommodates more than 48 thousand fans.

What makes Mestalla special? These are very cool stands that create a pressure effect on the opponent. The visiting players don't just feel the fans - they literally see them.

\n
\"Valencia fans are some of the most loyal in Spain. They can boo their own team for a poor performance, but when they need to support them, they will do it in such a way that the stadium shakes.\"
\n

The only thing that overshadows the legend of \"Mestali\" is the unfinished construction of the new stadium, which has been going on since 2007. But until that day comes, \"Mestalja\" remains the real fortress of the club.

Achievements of \"Valencia\"

Valencia is one of the most titled clubs in Spain:

Champion of Spain (6 times) – 1942, 1944, 1947, 1971, 2002, 2004.
Cup of Spain (8 times) – 1941, 1949, 1954, 1967, 1979, 1999, 2008, 2019.
UEFA Cup (1 time) – 2004.
UEFA Super Cup (2 times) – 1980, 2004.
Champions League finalist (2 times) – 2000, 2001.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous players of \"Valencia\": who created the history of the club

\"Valencia\" brought up and introduced to the world many great football players:

Mario Kempes – Argentine forward who brought the club first European Cup title in 1980.
\n
Gayska Mendieta – symbol of \"Valencia\" of the beginning of the 2000s, an incredible leader of the midfield.
\n
David Villa is one of the best strikers in the history of Spain, who became a star in Valencia.
\n
Santiago Cañizares is a legendary goalkeeper who saved the team for years.
\n
David Silva is a student of the club, who later became a legend of \"Manchester City\".
\n

Interesting facts about \"Valencia\"

The oldest anthem among La Liga clubs – Valencia has an official anthem that has been sung since the 1920s.
\n
The bat on the emblem is the symbol of the city of Valencia, and its history dates back to the days of the Reconquista.
\n
Two Champions League final defeats in a row – 2000 and 2001 remain the most painful moments in the club's history.
\n
Record season 2004 – championship, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup – best year in modern history.
\n
Dramatic struggle for survival – in 2016 the club was almost relegated to Segunda, but held on.
\n

\n
\"Valencia reminds us that true champions are those who find the strength to fight even in the darkest moments.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Valencia remains one of the most respected clubs in Spanish football, despite all the financial and sporting difficulties. Can the team bring back the golden days of the early 2000s? One thing can be said for sure — the spirit of Mestalla and bat traditions make Valencia a special place where history lives in every corner, and faith in rebirth never fades. This is a club that proves that true greatness is measured not only by trophies, but also by the ability to get back up after every fall.

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Maracena: Upcoming