FC Barcelona begin their defence of the Copa del Rey crown in Guadalajara, in a single-match tie at the Estadio Pedro Escartín that comes with a handful of intriguing storylines. From a special reunion for Gerard Martín to Barça’s first-ever visit to this ground in Castilla–La Mancha ground, there are plenty of talking points ahead of kick-off.

Barça arrive as clear favourites. The hosts, coached by former Villarreal player Pere Martí, sit 17th in Group A of the Primera Federación, while the blaugrana lead LaLiga and come into the tie on the back of five straight wins in all competitions.

Chasing number 33

FC Barcelona are the undisputed kings of the Copa del Rey. No club can match their record in the competition, and last season they lifted trophy number 32 after an unforgettable 3–2 victory over Real Madrid in a dramatic final. Jules Kounde was the hero on a night that still lives long in the memory of Barça fans everywhere.

Gerard Martin meets an old friend

One of Hansi Flick’s regular starters, Gerard Martín, will enjoy a particularly meaningful night in Guadalajara. Lining up for the hosts is Raúl Tavares, with whom Martín shared a dressing room at Cornellà during the 2022/23 season in Primera RFEF.

That year, the two players featured together on 30 occasions, including a memorable win over Barça Atlètic, a side that included Marc Casadó at the time. On that day, Guadalajara’s number 14 even got his name on the scoresheet.

Pere Martí has beaten Barça before

Guadalajara coach Pere Martí enjoyed a long playing career with clubs such as Villarreal, Elche, Málaga, Murcia and Castellón. With the Yellow Submarine, he faced FC Barcelona twice in the 2003/04 LaLiga season, and those matches remain fond memories for him. Playing the full 90 minutes in both games, Martí was part of a Villarreal side that beat Barça at El Madrigal and held them to a goalless draw at what is now the Spotify Camp Nou.

First game at Pedro Escartín

This cup tie will mark the first competitive meeting between Club Deportivo Guadalajara and FC Barcelona’s first team. The stage is the 6,000-capacity Estadio Pedro Escartín, named after one of Spanish football’s most prominent 20th-century figures, who made his mark as a player, referee, coach, journalist and writer.

Barça Atlètic, however, have faced Guadalajara four times in the Segunda División during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. While no current Barça first-team players featured in those games, familiar names such as Sergi Roberto, Rafinha, Isaac Cuenca, Montoya, Kiko Femenía, Deulofeu, Grimaldo and Balliu were all involved at some point.

Primera Federació 

Known as Dépor, Guadalajara have never played in Spain’s top flight and currently sit in the relegation places in Group A of the third-tier Primera Federación, with four wins, five draws and seven defeats. Their most recent outing ended in a 3–1 loss to Real Madrid Castilla (the Real Madrid reserves)

Form, though, often counts for little on a night like this. The chance to face FC Barcelona is motivation enough, and the hosts will be eager to rise to the occasion. If Barça want to book their place in the next round, there will be no room for complacency on a historic day for Guadalajara.

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