Copa del Rey 114th Edition: Barcelona's Path to Victory
The 114th edition of the Copa del Rey, Spain's premier knockout football competition, took place between September 2, 2015, and May 22, 2016. This prestigious tournament brought together 83 teams from across the Spanish football pyramid, blending the elite of La Liga with the grit of the lower divisions in a quest for national glory.
The competition followed a rigorous knockout format, beginning with early qualifying rounds to narrow the field before the heavyweights of Spanish football entered the fray. The tournament culminated in a dramatic final where FC Barcelona secured their 28th title, cementing their dominance in the domestic scene.
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Key Facts
- Champion: Barcelona (their 28th title)
- Runner-up: Sevilla
- Total Teams: 83
- Duration: September 2, 2015 – May 22, 2016
- Total Goals: 319 (averaging 2.87 per match)
- Final Score: Barcelona 2–0 Sevilla (after extra time)
Tournament Structure and Early Stages
The tournament began with a wide array of participants, including twenty teams from the 2014–15 La Liga and twenty-one teams from the 2014–15 Segunda División. Notably, Barcelona B was excluded from the competition as reserve teams are not permitted to compete in the same tournament as their parent clubs.
The Road to the Round of 32
The early phases were characterized by high-scoring matches and intense battles among lower-league sides. From an initial 83 teams, the field was systematically reduced through several qualifying stages: from 83 to 65, then to 43, and finally to 32 teams by October 14, 2015. These matches were played across various regional stadiums, including the Romano and Ciudad de Tudela stadiums, often decided by narrow margins or penalty shootouts.
The Knockout Phases
Once the Round of 32 was established, the top-tier clubs entered the competition, bringing a higher level of technical skill and global attention to the tournament.
Round of 32 and Round of 16
Barcelona began their campaign with a dominant 6–1 victory over their opponents, featuring goals from Dani Alves, Sandro, and Munir. Other major clubs like Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Valencia also navigated these early knockout stages. The Round of 16 saw further consolidation, with Barcelona continuing their strong form, including a 4–0 win over Espanyol in the first leg of their quarter-final progression.
Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals
The competition intensified in the quarter-finals, where Barcelona faced Valencia. The first leg at Camp Nou was a rout, with Luis Suárez scoring four goals and Lionel Messi adding three in a 6–1 victory. In the semi-finals, Barcelona faced Atlético Madrid, eventually progressing with a 5–2 aggregate score after a 3–1 win in the second leg.
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The Grand Final
The final took place on May 22, 2016, pitting FC Barcelona against Sevilla. In a tightly contested match that remained scoreless through regulation time, the game moved into extra time. Barcelona eventually broke the deadlock with goals from Jordi Alba in the 97th minute and Neymar in the 120+2 minute, securing a 2–0 victory.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Barcelona |
| Opponent | Sevilla |
| Final Score | 2–0 (a.e.t.) |
| Final Goalscorers | Alba (97'), Neymar (120+2') |
| Attendance | 54,907 |
| Total Goals in Tournament | 319 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 114th Copa del Rey?
FC Barcelona won the tournament, claiming their 28th title after defeating Sevilla in the final.
How many teams participated in the tournament?
A total of 83 teams competed in the 114th edition of the Copa del Rey.
What was the final score of the championship match?
Barcelona defeated Sevilla 2–0 after extra time (a.e.t.).
Which players scored in the final?
The goals were scored by Jordi Alba in the 97th minute and Neymar in the 120+2 minute.
Why was Barcelona B not allowed to play?
Barcelona B was excluded because it is a reserve team, and reserve teams are not permitted to participate in the Copa del Rey alongside their senior clubs.