The road to Copa del Rey glory is heating up as the quarter-final draw, conducted on Monday, has mapped out intriguing fixtures for the last eight. Barcelona and Real Madrid, Spain’s two footballing powerhouses, have once again avoided each other, setting the stage for a potential meeting in the competition's latter stages.

The Quarter-Final Fixtures

The draw has presented exciting matchups:

Valencia vs. Barcelona: The Catalan giants face a challenging away trip to the Mestalla. With Valencia fighting to salvage their season, this tie promises fireworks. Barça will aim to maintain their dominance as they seek to reclaim the trophy.
Leganés vs. Real Madrid: Los Blancos will head to the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, where Leganés, the underdogs, hope to script an upset. Real Madrid, brimming with confidence, remain favorites but cannot afford complacency.
Atlético Madrid vs. Getafe: The Madrid derby will pit Diego Simeone’s gritty Atlético side against Getafe’s determined squad. This encounter guarantees intensity and drama.
Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna: After ousting defending champions Athletic Club, Osasuna will face another Basque rival in Real Sociedad. With both teams keen on making a deep run, this fixture could be the dark horse of the round.

All quarter-final matches are slated to take place during the week commencing February 3, with the winners advancing to a two-legged semi-final.

Potential Clásico and Madrid Derby Looming

The draw leaves room for tantalizing prospects. Should both Barcelona and Real Madrid progress, fans could be treated to two more El Clásicos in the semi-finals. Similarly, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid advancing could set up an electrifying Madrid derby later in the competition.

Opinion: A Tournament of Endless Drama

The Copa del Rey continues to deliver thrilling narratives. The possibility of a Clásico or a Madrid derby in the semi-finals adds to the allure of the tournament, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. For teams like Osasuna and Getafe, this stage offers a rare opportunity to etch their names into Spanish football history.

While favorites Barcelona and Real Madrid aim to stamp their authority, the unpredictability of cup football means no team can be ruled out. February’s fixtures are set to offer a perfect blend of excitement, rivalry, and underdog stories.

Who will take the next step toward Copa del Rey glory? Football fans worldwide will be watching with bated breath.