Spain · Open Cup
Copa del Rey
In US-sports termsSpain's March Madness — a single-elimination cup where minnows host giants on tiny fields, and every year some fourth-tier town gets its night against Barcelona.
What it is
The King's Cup — Spain's knockout tournament, open to well over a hundred clubs from multiple tiers. Early rounds are single games hosted by the lower-ranked side.
How you get in
Qualify through your league level; the giants enter in the later rounds.
What it feeds
Winner → Europa League (cascades down La Liga if already qualified) and a place in the next Supercopa.
The one-legged early rounds on tiny grounds produce genuine giant-killings — Spain's version of the magic of the cup.