Rayo Vallecano now know their opponent for the start of the Copa del Rey. The Madrid-based club will face Recreativo Huelva in the first round of the 2026-27 edition, following the draw held on Monday at the RFEF headquarters in Las Rozas. The single-leg tie will be played away at the Nuevo Colombino stadium during the final week of October, on either the 27th, 28th or 29th.
Manager Beñat San José and his squad, who currently sit 12th in La Liga with 8 points, will aim to overcome this first cup hurdle. Recreativo, a lower-division side, qualified for the competition after beating Conil in the quarter-finals of the Copa Federación. In the draw, conducted by former player Iker Muniain, Rayo was one of four possible top-flight opponents for the Huelva-based club, alongside Getafe, Betis and Sevilla.
Rayo Vallecano's objective is clear: to advance to the second round. With a busy schedule, the team first faces a key league match at home to Athletic Club. The cup tie presents an opportunity to improve upon a recent mixed run of form, which reads two wins, one draw and two defeats from the last five games.
This story first appeared at beinsports.com
