Copa del Rey first-round schedules and rulings announced

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has released the schedule for the first round of the Copa del Rey, with 56 single-match knockout ties set to take place between October 27 and October 29.

Following recent violent incidents involving fireworks and stones thrown at a team bus, the RFEF disciplinary judge ruled that the tie between Atlético Unión Güímar and Sporting Hortaleza will be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue in El Peñón, Tenerife, on October 11. The decision follows Sporting Hortaleza’s refusal to play the previous leg due to safety concerns. The winner of this match will advance to face Sevilla FC.

Other notable matchups and scheduling details include:

• Real Betis will face CDA Navalcarnero on October 28. • UD Almería is scheduled to debut against UD Castellonense on October 27. • Several Mallorcan teams, including Mallorca and Atlético Baleares, have confirmed their respective match dates. • In Aragon, Atlético Calatayud will host Primera División side Osasuna on October 29.

Due to infrastructure requirements, CP Mijas Las Lagunas will host its Copa del Rey match against Real Jaén CF at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez stadium in Estepona on October 28, as their home ground was deemed unfit for the competition's broadcasting and accessibility standards.