Barcelona were able to extend their winning run to 11 matches in all competitions, thanks to a victory over Racing Santander in the Copa Del Rey.The Catalans have now reached the quarterfinal stage of...
Barcelona were able to extend their winning run to 11 matches in all competitions, thanks to a victory over Racing Santander in the Copa Del Rey.
The Catalans have now reached the quarterfinal stage of the competition, with the draw set for Monday.
Although Real Madrid’s surprise exit will serve as a relief for the Blaugrana, the club could still face a host of tough opponents who are still alive in the competition.
Potential list of opponents for Barcelona in Copa Del Rey quarterfinals
Unlike the previous rounds, where the four Super Cup participants were protected and paired against lower-tier opposition, the quarterfinals bring a change in format.
This time, it will be a practically pure draw. The only condition remaining is that Albacete. the lowest-ranked team left is guaranteed to play at home. For all other matchups, the order of the draw will determine the host.
Hansi Flick’s side, therefore, has an equal probability of facing any of the seven other surviving teams.
Can Flick’s Barcelona sustain their dominance in domestic competitions? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The pot includes heavyweights like Atletico Madrid, who eliminated Deportivo de La Coruna, and Athletic Club, who survived a scare to beat Cultural Leonesa in extra time.
There is also a strong Basque presence with Real Sociedad and Alaves, who advanced past Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano, respectively.
Rounding out the La Liga contingent are Real Betis and Valencia, both capable of posing a serious threat. However, the most intriguing option is arguably Albacete.
The Segunda Division side has become the story of the tournament after shocking Real Madrid in the previous round, and as the only lower-tier side remaining, they are the sole team guaranteed home advantage in this single-elimination tie.
Category: General Sports
