Copa del Rey Third Round: David vs. Goliath as Real Madrid and Barcelona Face Fourth-Tier Opponents

The third round of this season’s Copa del Rey promises classic underdog drama, with footballing giants Real Madrid and Barcelona set to take on fourth-division sides Deportiva Minera and UD Barbastro, respectively.

Real Madrid, reigning LaLiga champions, will travel to the humble 2,000-capacity home of Deportiva Minera. Minera, who secured their spot in this round with a stunning penalty shootout win over top-flight Alaves, now face the daunting task of hosting one of the world’s most successful clubs.

While Madrid enters the competition fresh and well-rested, having only been required to join at this stage due to their Spanish Supercopa commitments, Minera’s underdog story embodies the magic of the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona’s Test Against Espanyol-Slaying UD Barbastro

Barcelona, no strangers to Copa del Rey glory, will lock horns with UD Barbastro, another fourth-division team that shocked the football world by eliminating Espanyol in the previous round. Barbastro will hope their Cinderella story continues as they prepare to welcome the Catalan giants in what is sure to be a festive atmosphere.

Other Matches to Watch

Holders Athletic Club face UD Logroñés in what could be another tricky away tie, while Mallorca is set to battle Pontevedra, with both games scheduled for January.

Opinion: The Beauty of the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey consistently delivers some of the most unpredictable and heartwarming moments in Spanish football. The competition’s open format allows teams from all tiers to dream of glory, even against Europe’s elite.

For Minera and Barbastro, this is an opportunity to make history and showcase their resilience against the sport's titans. On the flip side, Real Madrid and Barcelona must tread carefully—any complacency could lead to one of the biggest upsets in recent memory.

The charm of fourth-division venues, passionate local supporters, and the “David vs. Goliath” narrative epitomize the spirit of the Copa del Rey. While the likes of Madrid and Barça are expected to prevail, the excitement lies in watching these underdog teams chase their dreams under the brightest spotlight of their footballing lives.

In January, all eyes will be on these small-town clubs as they attempt to etch their names into the history books. And for football fans, it’s a reminder that in this beautiful game, anything is possible.