When do Real Madrid and Barcelona join this season’s Copa del Rey?
The second round of the 2022-23 Copa del Rey is currently on with 28 games being played over three days with the third round draw coming up on Friday.
The second round of the 2022-23 Copa del Rey is up and running with 28 games being staged over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to decide the names of the teams that will be in the hat for the third round draw on Friday.
Many fans around the world are wondering why the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are not involved in the first and second round stage when LaLiga counterparts such as Athletic, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad are all participating in the early rounds round.
Super Cup 2023
As LaLiga winners, Real Madrid are one of the four sides that will participate in the Spanish Super Cup which once again will be staged in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). ‘Los Blancos’ will be joined by last season’s Copa del Rey winners Real Betis along with LaLiga runner-up in FC Barcelona and beaten cup finalists Valencia.
These four sides get a bye straight into the third round and will join the 28 teams that progress from the second round qualifying games.
Cup heritage
Barcelona are very much the kings of the cup with their 31 Copa del Rey wins followed by the Leones from Athletic Club on 23 wins with the podium being completed by Real Madrid who have lifted the famous cup on 14 occasions.
The draw for the third round of the 22/23 Spanish Copa del Rey will take place at 12:30 pm (CET/ 06:30 am (ET) from the Las Rozas headquarters of the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation).