Copa del Rey round of 16 draw pits Barcelona against a tricky opposition | OneFootball

After an impressive victory against Barbastro in their Copa del Rey opener, FC Barcelona have now learned the identity of their next opponent.

In the round of 16, Barça will go up against Real Betis at Montjuïc. This clash is set to take place on either January 14, 15, or 16, 2025, and will be decided in a single-leg match.

The draw was completely open, meaning Barça could have been matched with any team, including heavyweights like Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.

Instead, Real Madrid will host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Atlético will take on Elche away from home.

Interesting challenge

Real Betis, winners of the Copa del Rey two seasons ago, present an intriguing challenge for Barcelona. While they may not be the toughest opponents Barça could have drawn, they are far from being the easiest.

The league encounter between the two sides at the Villamarin earlier in December ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw, showcasing Betis’ ability to test even the strongest teams.

Hansi Flick’s side will take some confidence from playing at home in Montjuïc, but they must remain cautious against a determined Betis side.

Important tournament for Barcelona

The Copa del Rey continues to be a critical tournament for Barcelona this season, and they will be aiming to secure their place in the quarterfinals.

The upcoming rounds promise intense action, with the quarterfinals scheduled for February 5, 2025. The semifinal stage will follow, with the first leg on February 26 and the second leg on April 2, 2025.

Barça will be eager to continue their strong run in this competition, but they cannot afford to underestimate any opponent, especially a team as capable as Real Betis. Fans can look forward to an exciting contest as the road to Copa del Rey glory intensifies.