Real Madrid, Barcelona learn last-16 opponents in Copa del Rey

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 January 2023

Barcelona are drawn against third-tier outfit Ceuta in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey, while Real Madrid will face Villarreal.

Barcelona have been drawn against third-tier outfit Ceuta in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey, while Real Madrid will take on fellow La Liga outfit Villarreal.

Xavi's side needed extra-time to beat Intercity 4-3 in the round of 32 last week, and the Catalan outfit will now face another third-tier side in the shape of Ceuta for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid have been handed a much tougher test, with Los Blancos taking on Villarreal in what is one of four all-La Liga ties in the Copa del Rey.

Indeed, Real Betis will take on Osasuna, Real Sociedad will face Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao will tackle Espanyol in the other ties involving top-tier sides.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on October 20, 2022 © Reuters

There are also three matches involving La Liga teams against Segunda Division teams, with Atletico Madrid facing Levante, Valencia taking on Sporting Gijon and Sevilla drawn with Alaves.

Barcelona boss Xavi was asked about the clash with Ceuta during his press conference to preview Sunday night's La Liga contest with Atletico Madrid.

"We are focused on tomorrow's game, one of the most difficult outings in La Liga. We will try to be protagonists and have control of the ball. We want to be ourselves," he said.

"As for the cup, we've been lucky in the draw for the first time since I've been Barca coach, but the other day we proved against Intercity that we have to show that we're better on the pitch.

"The trip won't be easy, but I think we've been lucky with the draw."

Barcelona manager Xavi pictured in September 2022 © Reuters

Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of this competition, having lifted the trophy on 31 occasions, with their last triumph coming in 2020-21.

Athletic have the second-most wins in the competition with 23, while Real Madrid are third with 19, but Los Blancos have not won the tournament since 2013-14.

Meanwhile, the holders Real Betis, who beat Valencia on penalties in last season's final, are bidding to lift the trophy for the fourth time this season.

Copa del Rey last-16 draw:

Ceuta vs. Barcelona
Levante vs. Atletico Madrid
Sporting Gijon vs. Valencia
Alaves vs. Sevilla
Real Betis vs. Osasuna
Villarreal vs. Real Madrid
Real Sociedad vs. Mallorca
Athletic Bilbao vs. Espanyol