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Copa del Rey Upsets Loom: La Liga Giants Hit the Road
27 Oct
Summary
- Five La Liga teams play away games against lower-division clubs.
- Lower-division teams host early Copa del Rey rounds for revenue.
- Top clubs Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Real Madrid exempt from early rounds.
The early stages of Spain's Copa del Rey are underway, with five La Liga teams facing away matches against lower-division clubs. This format grants home advantage to the smaller teams in the initial rounds, providing a significant financial boost and the dream of a major upset.
Real Betis travels to face CDA Navalcarnero, while Celta Vigo visits Salamanca UDS. Levante, Alaves, and Valencia also face opponents from Spain's fourth and fifth tiers.
Regulations require La Liga clubs to field at least seven first-team players, despite the potential for extensive squad rotation. Cup holders Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are exempt from the first two rounds as they prepare for the Spanish Supercup.
