Barcelona to face Athletic Club in Copa del Rey quarterfinal

Barcelona are set to face Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals following Friday's draw, while Atlético Madrid face Sevilla.

Barca came from behind to beat Unionistas de Salamanca 3-1 on Thursday, securing a place in the last 16 of the competition.

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Despite an unconvincing performance, Xavi's side bounced back from Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, piling pressure on the coach.

23-time Copa winners Athletic, led by former Barça coach Ernesto Valverde, won 2-0 against Alavés to qualify.

Only Barca have won the Copa more times than Athletic, lifting the trophy for the 31st time in 2021 with a 4-0 victory over their quarter-final opponents.

Atlético ousted Copa holders Real Madrid with a 4-2 extra-time victory at the Metropolitano on Thursday, and the Rojiblancos will play again at home against Sevilla.

Used to competing for European places, Sevilla are struggling in La Liga this season in 17th position and have already been eliminated from continental competitions.

Surprise, La Liga leaders Girona are playing Mallorca, a team that has yet to concede a goal in the Copa this season.

Celta Vigo, three-time finalist, seeking their first Copa title, will host Real Sociedad.

The quarter-finals will be played as single matches on January 23, 24 and 25.