Athletic's Copa del Rey rival list narrowed to four

Athletic's possible Copa del Rey first-round opponents narrowed to four teams, with a potential Basque derby against Sestao River.

Athletic will enter the draw for the Copa del Rey first round on Monday at 13:00. The draw groups teams by geographic proximity, with lower-division clubs facing higher-division sides where possible. The federation's division of all teams has narrowed Athletic's possible opponents to four: Sestao River (guaranteed), plus three clubs from the preliminary round — Anaitasuna and Prat are nearly certain, with Atlético Calatayud likely filling the fourth spot. A Basque derby with Sestao River is possible, though Osasuna, Alavés, or Espanyol could face them instead.