Spanish Cup: Second takes on third in quarter-final showdown

January 26, 2023

Will Sabadell and Barceloneta meet in the semi-final once more? Photo: RFEN

The highly-anticipated draw for the men’s 2023 Copa de Rey has been made today in Sabadell.

Participating in 37th edition of the cup competition is the top highest ranked teams from the first half of the LEWaterpolo league, which features: Astralpool Sabadell, Barceloneta, CN Terrassa, CN Barcelona, CN Mataro, CN Sant Andreu, CE Mediterrani and Tenerife Echeyde.

Headlining the draw as the tastiest clash is the contest between Eighteen-time Spanish Cup champions – and the winners of the last ten editions of the competition – Barceloneta and five-time runners-up, Terrassa. Barceloneta currently sit second in the Spanish League, two points ahead of third-placed Terrassa.

Meanwhile, tournament hosts Sabadell, who last won the competition back in 2012, will be strong favourites against Tenerife Echeyde. Sant Andreu and Mediterrani will look to pull off unlikely upsets against their respective quarter final opponents, Mataro and Barcelona.

In accordance with tournament rules, the top-ranked team from the first phase of the season and the hosts are placed on opposite sides of the bracket. This year, tournament host Sabadell, who also topped the rankings during the first half of the season, will be on one side of the bracket while the second-ranked team, Barceloneta, will be on the other. As a result, the two teams can only face off in the final, as they have done in four previous finals (2006, 2010, 2012 and 2017).

Barceloneta won the Spanish Cup last season with a 12-5 victory over Sabadell in the final, but after being defeated by Sabadell earlier this season, the defending champions will be taking nothing for granted.

The draw for the women’s competition will take place on 7th February.