Explore the most unexpected moments and shocking results that have rocked the Copa del Rey throughout its rich history. From giant-killings by underdog teams to epic comebacks, this competition has always been a hotbed for footballing surprises. Discover the matches that left fans and experts speechless, proving that in Spanish football, anything can happen.
This is one of the most famous upsets suffered by the 'King of Cups', FC Barcelona, against a much lower-division team. Figueres, from Spain's Segunda División B (third tier), achieved the feat in extra time, highlighting the magic of the single-match tournament.
This match, known as 'El Alcorconazo', is the most iconic and remembered upset in the recent history of the Copa del Rey. A Segunda División B team thrashed a Real Madrid full of stars, symbolizing the magic of the 'knockout competition'.
This elimination marked the beginning of the 21st century with one of the biggest cup upsets, demonstrating that the single-match format could generate surprises. Toledo, from Segunda División B, defeated a 'Galáctico' Real Madrid and reigning European champion.
This elimination represents one of the few occasions when Barcelona was knocked out in the early rounds by a third-tier team. Novelda's feat, with a hat-trick from Madrigal, was even more surprising as it was consecutive to Figueres'.
Another huge surprise against FC Barcelona, which shows that even teams with big stars can fall in the knockout tournament. Gramenet, from Segunda División B, eliminated a Barça that already featured figures like Messi and Eto'o.
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This elimination is a turning point in Atlético de Madrid's recent history, as their defeat against a lower-tier team was the catalyst for Diego Simeone's arrival. Albacete, from Segunda División B, achieved the feat in a two-legged tie.
The feat of Mirandés, then in Segunda División B, in reaching the Copa del Rey semifinals is one of the greatest achievements by a modest team. It eliminated three First Division teams, demonstrating that belief can take you very far in the tournament.
Mirandés reaffirmed its 'giant-killer' status in the Copa del Rey by once again reaching the semi-finals, this time as a Second Division team. It eliminated three other First Division teams, proving that its 2012 feat was no fluke.
This was one of the most recent and high-profile surprises, which once again highlighted the difficulty of the Cup for big teams. Alcoyano, from Segunda División B, eliminated Real Madrid in extra time, even playing with ten men.
Another surprising elimination of a LaLiga 'giant' at the hands of a Segunda B team. Cultural Leonesa defeated Diego Simeone's Atlético de Madrid in extra time, demonstrating that the single-match format continues to be a breeding ground for historic upsets.
This tie demonstrated that surprises don't only happen between teams from different categories. Girona, a First Division team with a smaller budget, eliminated Atlético de Madrid, a clear title contender, due to the double value of away goals.
One of the most recent eliminations of a Primera División leader by a Segunda B team. Cornellà, despite the difference in division, managed to defeat Atlético de Madrid, which was leading LaLiga at the time, highlighting the unpredictability of the Copa.
It was an unprecedented feat in Spanish football for a reserve team to reach the Copa del Rey final. Castilla eliminated four First Division teams, making it one of the biggest historical upsets in the tournament.
This is one of the great feats of a Segunda División B team in the Copa del Rey, which put Numancia on the map of Spanish football. The Soria-based team reached the quarter-finals, eliminating three First Division teams.
A stunning upset given the huge difference in level between both teams at the time. Guadix, bottom of Segunda División B, eliminated Valencia CF, who had just been a Champions League finalist, in an exciting penalty shootout.