Copa del Rey Round of 16 draw sets up Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid

La Liga’s big guns usually avoid each other for a long time in the Copa del Rey, but last year’s Champions League finalists will meet in a local derby in the Round of 16. The draw pits Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid against each other, setting up two big cup clashes right after Spain’s winter break.

Real Madrid are currently on a 21-game winning streak across four different competitions. The last team to beat them was Atléti, in La Liga back in September.

Barcelona got a much kinder draw, against Elche, who are the bottom team in La Liga. The next-best match of the round, after that Madrid derby, is probably between Real Sociedad and Villarreal. La Real have looked a bit more formidable since making a managerial change, while Villarreal are enjoying a very solid season and are a contender for a Champions League place.

The Copa del Rey rounds are all two-legged ties, home and away, with aggregate scoring and the away goals rule in effect. The first legs are scheduled for the week of January 5 and the second legs for the week of January 12.