Copa del Rey quarter finals: is there a second leg and what happens in case of a tie?

The Copa del Rey is truly a special competition that offers Spanish lower league sides an opportunity to take on some of the biggest names in the game with the likes of Aranda del Duero (Arandina) and Barbastro recently hosting Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively in the Round of 32.

This season, the mantle of giant killers goes to third tier Unionistas de Salamanca after they disposed of previous cup winners Sporting Gijon and recent Europa League champions Villarreal to set up a Round of 16 clash against Barça. The Catalan side eventually edged through after a solid second half showing with Kounde and Balde steering Xavi’s men into the quarterfinals of the competition.

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This competition has now reached the quarterfinals with eight teams dreaming of a place in the final which will be staged at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja in early April. The last eight teams all hail from the top flight with second tier Tenerife and Unionistas ending the challenge from the lower leagues.

On paper, FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid remain leading favorites, although Xavi’s side have been handed a tricky test away at San Mamés with Athletic Club having lifted the trophy 23 times in the past. Atleti have been draw at home to Sevilla and will be expected to progress to the semi-final stage. Celta Vigo face Real Sociedad with LaLiga surprise package Girona away at Mallorca in the other games in this round.

Is there a second leg in the Copa del Rey quarter final stage?

In the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey there is no second leg, with the tie played as a single match. The only round in which home and away games are employed is in the semifinals with games set to take place this year on 7 February and the return legs on 28 February.

How is the tie resolved in case of a draw in the Copa del Rey?

As in the vast majority of knockout competitions, if there is a tie at the end of the 90 regulation minutes an extra 30 minutes will be played and, if the tie is not resolved, a penalty shootout will be used to decide the winning team.

In the semifinals there is no away goals rule so should the second leg see both teams tied on aggreggate, then an extra-tine period and if necessary a penalty shootout would be used to decide the winner.