Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Copa Del Rey Format Overhauled: How Does It Affect Real Madrid and Barcelona?

RFEF introduces new rule shielding Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Supercup teams from early clashes.

Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has introduced sweeping changes to the Copa del Rey format for the coming 2025-26 season. The new rule significantly benefits Spain’s footballing elite under the new structure. It shields the big names from clashing early into the tournament.

As per the new rule, the four Spanish Super Cup participants – Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Club – will not face each other in the competition until at least the quarter-final stage. Previously, these four teams were seeded only for the Round of 32.

⚽️ La RFEF optimiza varios de sus principales torneos con la reforma de sus bases de competición.

🔗 https://t.co/i85rrYLquR #AsambleaRFEF pic.twitter.com/UmtwtDGmX9
— RFEF (@rfef) June 30, 2025

However, as confirmed by several reports in the media, the RFEF have extended this separation to the Round of 16. Now, these sides will be placed in a separate pot during both draws. Thus, ensuring they do not face each other until the last eight. Along with benefitting big teams, this decision will also help lower-tier teams.

The new rule will allow them to benefit from hosting opportunities along with increasing the chances of blockbuster matchups later in the tournament. More specifically, the new guidelines will stop the four top-placed teams from one season from clashing before the quarterfinal next season.

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Copa Del Rey Boost for Barcelona and Real Madrid

The timing couldn’t be better for defending champions Barcelona. They are preparing to return to pre-season under new manager Hansi Flick. This Spanish authority’s new rules will benefit Hansi Flick and his boys a great deal as they will be able to build on some momentum before facing big teams.

For Real Madrid, this structural change offers a more favorable route to redemption. Mainly considering they lost to Barcelona in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals last season. Xabi Alonso’s side will now hope to capitalize on this adjusted pathway in their pursuit of silverware.

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Despite the benefits for Spain’s elite, the format change has sparked criticism. This adjustment certainly raises concerns over fairness. Many fans are arguing it disproportionately favors already bigger clubs. Furthermore, there is growing speculation that this shift is commercially motivated.

Reports suggest that the new rule has been designed to boost viewership by ensuring potential Clasico and derby clashes occur deeper in the competition, and potentially abroad, given the federation’s Saudi partnership. This could be RFEF’s efforts to revitalize the Copa del Rey by revamping.

Atletico Madrid

Barcelona

Copa del Rey

El Clasico

Madrid Derby

Real Madrid

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.