Barcelona will avoid Real Madrid, Atletico draws until quarter-final after Copa del Rey rule change | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to return to pre-season training early next month and will have a lot of pressure on their shoulders heading into the new season. After all, they are the defending champions on three fronts.

This time around, however, the RFEF have agreed on unique changes for the Spanish Cup which wi drastically alter the way draws are made.

Needless to say, Barcelona only stand to benefit from the new criteria as it has been introduced to avoid heavyweight clashes in early rounds.

Mundo Deportivo reveals that the new guidelines restrict the four top-placed teams from last season – the teams playing in the Spanish Super Cup – from facing each other before the quarterfinal of the Spanish Cup.

A big relief for Barcelona

Barcelona are the reigning Copa del Rey champions. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The new decision of the RFEF, needless to say, comes as a great boost to Hansi Flick and Co. for there is now no chance of them facing Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid or Athletic Club before the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

It is thus impossible now for there to be an El Clasico, Madrid Derby or even a game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid or Athletic Club in the Round of 16 stage.

Now, they will face a lower-ranked team instead and are all thus favourites to make it to the quarterfinal stage at least.

The four aforementioned teams, however, will all meet in January for the Spanish Super Cup which Barcelona will look to defend once more next season as their first title of the season.

It will, however, not be easy considering the signs both Madrid-based giants have made this summer although Barcelona could also leave the window significantly bolstered if Nico Williams arrives.