Athletic learns first Copa del Rey opponent today

Athletic Club will learn their first-round Copa del Rey opponent today at 1 p.m. when 112 teams are drawn into 56 pairings, with possible rivals including Sestao River or regional sides.

Athletic Club's Copa del Rey campaign begins today with the first-round draw at 1 p.m. CET. A total of 112 teams will be drawn into 56 matchups, with the four Supercopa participants (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Atlético Madrid) exempt from the first two rounds. Athletic's possible opponents have been narrowed to four: Sestao River (a Biscay derby), Anaitasuna, Atlético Calatayud, or another regional qualifier. Pairings will prioritize geographic proximity and pit lower-division clubs against higher-division sides where possible.