Why are Real Madrid and Barcelona not involved in the Copa del Rey second round draw?

The draw for the second round of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey was conducted today at the headquarters of the RFEF (Spanish FA) with the likes of Real Betis, Sevilla, Villarreal, Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo and Valencia discovering their opponents in the next round of the knockout competition.

This will be the last round without the presence of the four Spanish Super Cup teams with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético, and Athletic getting a bye straight into the third round of the competition.

The quartet of teams will battle it out in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) next January for the first silverware of the new calendar year with Barça the reigning champions.

The Catalan giants too are the current Copa del Rey holders and will be in the next draw ahead of the third round with games expected to be played in mid December.

25/26 Copa del Rey: Second round draw

Copa del Rey: key matchdates

Second Round: December 2, 3, 4

Round of 32: December 16, 17, 19

Round of 16: January 14 (2026)

Quarterfinals: February 4

Semifinals (first leg): February 11

Semifinals (second leg): March 4

Final: April 25

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