The 2024–25 Copa del Rey concluded with Barcelona securing a record-extending 32nd title after defeating Real Madrid 3–2 in extra time at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja on 26 April 2025. The 123rd edition of Spanish football’s premier knockout competition featured 125 clubs across seven rounds, maintaining the traditional format where lower-tier sides hosted established LaLiga powers until the quarter-final stage.
Athletic Club entered the tournament as defending champions following their 2024 final victory over Mallorca, yet faced elimination in the Round of 16 at the hands of Osasuna. The competition produced significant upsets throughout its early stages, including third-tier Pontevedra’s 3-0 dismissal of top-flight Mallorca and Division RFEF 2A side Ourense defeating Real Valladolid 3-2 to advance.
What is the Current Copa del Rey Schedule?
Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (aet) — April 26, 2025
Athletic Club (2024 winners)
123rd edition, 125 starting clubs
Winner and runner-up enter 2026 Supercopa de España
- Barcelona claimed their 32nd title, extending their record as the competition’s most successful club ahead of Athletic Club (24) and Real Madrid (20).
- Lower-division clubs hosted higher-ranked opponents through the Round of 16, providing financial and competitive advantages to smaller teams.
- The semi-finals featured a two-legged format, differing from the single-match structure of earlier rounds.
- Seven former champions reached the Round of 16, including third-tier Pontevedra from RFEF 2A.
- Real Madrid required extra time to overcome Celta Vigo 5-2 in the Round of 16, with Endrick scoring twice during the additional period.
- Atlético Madrid recorded the round’s most decisive victory, defeating Elche 5-0 on February 4.
- Source draws for each round were conducted at the Spanish FA headquarters in Las Rozas.
| Round | Draw Date | Match Dates | Key Fixtures | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | Sept 16, 2024 | Oct 9, 2024 | 125 clubs → 115 | Completed |
| First Round | Oct 10, 2024 | Oct 29-31, 2024 | 115 clubs → 60 | Completed |
| Second Round | Nov 27, 2024 | Dec 3-5, 2024 | 60 clubs → 32 | Completed |
| Round of 16 | Early Jan 2025 | Jan 14-16, 2025 | Real Madrid 5-2 Celta Vigo | Completed |
| Quarter-finals | Jan 20, 2025 | Feb 4-6, 2025 | Leganés 2-3 Real Madrid | Completed |
| Semi-finals | Feb 12, 2025 | Feb 25-26 / Apr 1-2, 2025 | Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético, Real Sociedad | Completed |
| Final | N/A | Apr 26, 2025 | Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid | Barcelona champions |
Latest Copa del Rey Results and Scores
Recent match outcomes
The final at La Cartuja on 26 April 2025 ended Barcelona’s two-season trophy drought in the competition. The match required extra time after finishing level, with Barcelona eventually prevailing 3-2 to secure their place in the 2026 Supercopa de España.
Earlier elimination rounds provided significant drama. In the Round of 16, Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 5-2 after extra time on 16 January, with Kylian Mbappé opening the scoring in the 37th minute and Vinícius Júnior adding a second. Celta forced additional time through Borja Iglesias in the 111th minute, but Endrick scored twice (109′, 119′) and Federico Valverde struck in the 112th minute to seal progression.
Osasuna eliminated defending champions Athletic Club 3-2 on the same January matchday, while Leganés defeated Almería 3-2 on 5 February. Atlético Madrid produced a dominant 5-0 victory over Elche on 4 February, demonstrating the gulf between top-tier sides and second-division opposition despite the hosting advantage afforded to lower-ranked teams.
Key highlights
Quarter-final action saw Real Madrid survive a serious test from Leganés, winning 3-2 on February 5 with goals from Luka Modrić (18′) and Endrick (25′). The semi-finals featured two-legged ties between Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad, with dates split between late February and early April 2025.
All scores reflect official RFEF match reports and verified broadcasts from Estadio de La Cartuja. Detailed statistical breakdowns are available through official match databases.
What is the Copa del Rey and Its Format?
Tournament structure
The Copa del Rey MAPFRE operates as a pure knockout tournament spanning seven rounds. The 2024-25 edition commenced with a preliminary round involving 125 clubs, progressively narrowing to 115, then 60, then 32 clubs through single-match elimination fixtures. The competition format stipulates that from the preliminary round through the quarter-finals, matches are decided in a single game, with lower-division teams granted hosting rights against higher-ranked opponents.
The semi-finals represent the only deviation from single-match format, utilizing two-legged ties to determine finalists. The final remains a single neutral-site match held at a predetermined venue, with Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville hosting the 2025 decider.
Qualification rules
Beyond the trophy, the competition carries significant continental implications. Both finalists qualify for the 2026 Supercopa de España, while the tournament winner earns a berth in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League group stage. Should the winner qualify for European competition through league position, this Europa League place passes down the domestic table.
Until the quarter-finals, lower-division clubs retain mandatory hosting rights against LaLiga opponents. This regulation, maintained by the Spanish FA, ensures smaller clubs receive gate revenue and competitive benefits traditionally denied to them in league competition.
How to Watch Copa del Rey Games
Streaming options
Live score updates and fixture information remain accessible through multiple digital platforms throughout the tournament cycle. Flashscore provides real-time match tracking, while FotMob offers mobile-optimized updates. The official LaLiga digital platform maintains comprehensive fixture lists and results archives.
TV broadcast schedule
Broadcast coverage varies by jurisdiction and round. ESPN and TNT Sports carried matches for English-speaking markets during the 2024-25 campaign, while AS provided live text commentary and draw coverage. The official draws were streamed directly from the RFEF headquarters in Las Rozas, with subsequent match broadcasts carried by rights holders including regional Spanish networks and international sports packages. For those interested in cycling’s upcoming events, you can find the latest Copa del Rey fixtures and results here: Tour de Romandie 2025
For supporters tracking multiple fixtures simultaneously, Soccerpunter and Goal.com provide aggregated score updates and predictive analytics across all tournament rounds.
Complete 2024/25 Season Timeline
- : Preliminary round draw conducted at RFEF headquarters; 10 fixtures scheduled to reduce field from 125 to 115 clubs.
- : Preliminary round matches played.
- : First round draw determines 55 fixtures (115 to 60 clubs).
- : First round matches completed.
- : Second round draw; 28 fixtures set (60 to 32 clubs).
- : Second round matches eliminate 28 sides.
- : Round of 16 draw conducted using four pots based on divisional status.
- : Round of 16 completed; Real Madrid survive Celta Vigo scare, Athletic Club eliminated.
- : Quarter-final draw conducted.
- : Quarter-finals played; Real Madrid advance past Leganés.
- : Final contested at Estadio de La Cartuja; Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time.
Confirmed Details and Outstanding Questions
| Established Information | Information Awaiting Confirmation |
|---|---|
| Final date (April 26, 2025), venue (La Cartuja), and result (Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid) | Exact dates for 2025-26 preliminary round draw and fixtures |
| Barcelona’s 32nd title confirmed as record tally | Broadcast rights allocations for the upcoming season’s early rounds |
| Semi-final participants and two-legged format structure | Specific kick-off times for next season’s Matchday 1 fixtures |
| Hosting rights protocol for lower-division clubs through quarter-finals | Potential format adjustments for the 125th anniversary edition |
Historical Context and Significance
The 2024-25 edition marked the 123rd staging of Spain’s premier domestic cup competition, a tournament that predates the league championship itself. Barcelona’s victory reinforced their status as the competition’s most decorated side, capturing their 32nd title and extending their lead over Athletic Club, who remain second with 24 triumphs. The final represented the latest chapter in the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the former reversing recent fortunes to claim silverware.
The tournament structure continues to provide rare competitive encounters between elite professional sides and semi-professional regional clubs, creating narratives as dramatic as any scripted production, distinct from fictionalized historical accounts such as Cast of King and Conqueror – Full List of Stars and Roles in BBC Drama. This accessibility ensures the competition maintains cultural significance beyond the sporting elite, with clubs from the fourth tier occasionally eliminating top-flight opposition through the unique hosting regulations.
Official Sources and Verification
Primary documentation for the 2024-25 tournament derives from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) official competition portal and verified match reports. Broadcasting records from ESPN’s coverage and AS’s live reporting corroborate key fixture dates and results.
The 2024–25 Copa del Rey (branded as Copa del Rey MAPFRE) was a knockout tournament starting with a preliminary round for lower-tier clubs, progressing through single-match rounds where lower-division teams hosted higher ones, and double-legged semi-finals, culminating in a single final.
— Tournament documentation, Royal Spanish Football Federation
Summary of the 2024/25 Campaign
The 2024-25 Copa del Rey delivered a familiar champion through dramatic circumstances, with Barcelona requiring extra time to overcome Real Madrid in the Seville final. The tournament maintained its tradition of early-round upsets, notably Pontevedra and Ourense’s victories over LaLiga opposition, before the established order reasserted itself in the latter stages. The chaotic energy of the knockout format, reminiscent of the unpredictable narrative structures found in works like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Timeless Gonzo Tale, ensures the competition remains a distinct highlight of the Spanish football calendar, separate from the league’s marathon consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2024-25 Copa del Rey?
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in the final on April 26, 2025, securing their record 32nd title.
When does the Copa del Rey start each season?
The competition typically begins in October with the preliminary round, following a September draw conducted by the Spanish FA.
How does the Copa del Rey format work?
The tournament uses single-match elimination rounds from the preliminary stage through the quarter-finals, with lower-division teams hosting higher-ranked opponents. Only the semi-finals use a two-legged format.
Where was the 2025 Copa del Rey final held?
The final took place at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on April 26, 2025.
Which clubs have won the most Copa del Rey titles?
Barcelona lead with 32 titles, followed by Athletic Club (24), Real Madrid (20), Atlético Madrid (10), and Valencia (8).
Do Copa del Rey winners qualify for Europe?
Yes, the tournament winner earns a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage for the following season, and both finalists qualify for the Supercopa de España.
How can I find live scores for Copa del Rey matches?
Live scores are available through Flashscore, FotMob, Soccerpunter, and the official LaLiga website during match windows.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, running the daily news list and covering UK and world stories with a city lens.