Barcelona’s potential opponents in the Copa del Rey draw on Tuesday

As we approach the end of the year, the start of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey conquest inches closer to beginning.

As they seek a record-extending 32nd cup title, the competition’s Round of 32 draw is set to take place on Tuesday, the 12th of December.

An analysis of the bracket shows the potential opponents that Barcelona will face in the inaugural tie of their Copa del Rey campaign for 2023-24.

No first or second-division teams

As is the case, the league title-holders will face a fairly straightforward draw in this opening round.

They will not be facing any team from the first division or even the second tier of the Spanish pyramid, which eases pressure quite a bit.

Currently, with the second round results being determined as we speak Barcelona’s current crop of potential opponents is still quite extensive.

Qualified already are Castellón, Unionistas Salamanca, Málaga and Lugo, from the third division and Barbastro from the fourth tier.

They could be joined by Melilla, Linares and Sestao River, also from the Primera RFEF (third division) and then Arandina, Orihuela and Cayon from the Segunda RFEF (fourth division).

The single-legged Round of 32 games will be played from 5-7 January.

The cup is a key piece of silverware for the Catalans to aim for, so despite the seemingly simple draw, they cannot take any opponents lightly as these competitions always harbour upsets.