Real Madrid handed Africa trip in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid have been drawn against Africa-based Melilla in the Copa del Rey's round of 32, while Barcelona will also face third-tier opposition.

Holders Barca – who crushed Sevilla 5-0 in last season's final – get their campaign started away to Cultural Leonesa, who were relegated from LaLiga2 last term.

Madrid's first-leg contest with Segunda B4 leaders Melilla will see them travel to one of Spain's two ports on the continent of Africa, though both – the other being Ceuta – are claimed by Morocco.

Arguably the standout draw for the smaller clubs left in the competition is that of fourth-tier side Sant Andreu, however, as they will play Atletico Madrid.

LaLiga leaders Sevilla are to face Villanovense, while Valencia were drawn with Ebro – two ties which should provide little difficulty for either of the top-tier clubs.

Sergio Canales will return to Racing Santander – the club he impressed for as a teenager – with Real Betis and there are four all-LaLiga ties to look forward to, with Leganes and Rayo Vallecano set to go up against each other in a pair of Madrid derbies.

The first fixtures are provisionally due to take place on October 31, with the return games on December 5.

 

Copa del Rey draw in full:

Cultural Leonesa v Barcelona
Ebro v Valencia
Sant Andreu v Atletico Madrid
Melilla v Real Madrid
Villanovense v Sevilla
Racing Santander v Real Betis
Almeria v Villarreal
Cadiz v Espanyol
Sporting Gijon v Eibar
Lugo v Levante
Cordoba v Getafe
Athletic Bilbao v Huesca
Deportivo Alaves v Girona
Leganes v Rayo Vallecano
Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad