Albacete to host Barcelona in Copa del Rey quarter-finals | OneFootball

The Copa del Rey quarter-finals were drawn on Monday at Las Rozas and, according to AS, Albacete will host Barcelona in one of the standout ties.

The remaining fixtures are Alavés vs Real Sociedad, Valencia vs Athletic, and Betis vs Atlético.

Surprises are never far away, the clearest example being Real Madrid's last-16 exit to Albacete. The Segunda side, the only one left in the competition, will try to keep making history in the quarters. They will play at home at the Belmonte, the draw's only condition and privilege.

Their opponents are Barcelona, who suffered against Racing and are coming off a La Liga defeat to Real Sociedad.

The draw also delivered a Basque derby. Alavés, yet to concede in the competition, welcome Real Sociedad, who have revived after a poor start and now have ambitions of more.

Athletic, among the Cup's most decorated clubs but far from their best season, must visit Valencia, who are flirting with relegation in the league. Betis face Atlético for a place in the semi-finals.

One of the big unknowns is when the final will be played. It was initially planned for 25 April, but that date was ruled out because of security concerns tied to the Seville Fair and the Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix in Jerez. The dates under study are 18 April and 2 May.

The semi-final first legs are set for 11 February, with the return legs on 4 March, and the final remains to be confirmed.

Source: AS