Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s possible opponents for the Copa del Rey Round of 32
Real Madrid will begin their journey in the 2022/23 Copa Rel Rey next month, when they enter the tournament at the third round, i.e., Round of 32.
Los Blancos were exempted from participating in the second round of the tournament due to their involvement in the Spanish Super Cup, along with Barcelona, Valencia and Real Betis, all of whom will also begin their Copa del Rey quest from the upcoming round.
With the draw for the Round of 32 fixtures set to take place later today, we take a look at Real Madrid’s possible opponents for the next stage of the cup competition.
As per the rules of the tournament, not only Real Madrid get to enter the tournament in the third round, but they will also be avoiding facing any team from La Liga at this stage.
Indeed, the Merengues’ opponents for the Round of 32 phase of the Copa del Rey will come from either the RFEF First Division or RFEF Second Division.
With that in mind, Real Madrid could face one of ten possible teams from the lower divisions that have made it to the Round of 32.
The two teams from the RFEF Second Division who can be drawn against Real Madrid are CD Ibiza Islas Pitiusas and CP Cacereño, who defeated Eibar and Girona, respectively, in the second round of the tournament.
As for the teams from the RFEF First Division who could face Real Madrid, they are as follows: Pontevedra CF, AD Ceuta, CF Intercity, UD Logroñés, CD Eldense, Linares Deportivo, Nàstic de Tarragona and La Nucía.
Real Madrid have not won the Copa del Rey in eight years, with their last triumph in the competition coming in 2014. And manager Carlo Ancelotti has highlighted that it is a trophy that they want to win this season.
The Round of 32 fixtures of the Copa del Rey will be played between January 3-5, at the home of the lower division team.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
