What tournament does the Copa del Rey winner play in?

Lifting the Copa del Rey trophy brings undeniable social, institutional, and prestigious benefits. However, it also guarantees a series of significant additional economic revenues. Furthermore, the winner of the "KO competition" earns the opportunity to compete in two additional tournaments the following season, providing further chances to expand their trophy cabinet.

Access to the Europa League and the Spanish Super Cup

Since the 1998/99 season, following the dissolution of the Cup Winners' Cup, Copa del Rey champions have earned qualification for the Europa League. This competition, which succeeded the UEFA Cup in 2009, is the second most important continental tournament after the Champions League. Atlético de Madrid, for example, has won it three times under the current format: 2010, 2012, and 2018.

Additionally, the Copa del Rey champion competes in the Spanish Super Cup the following season. Between 1981 and 2018, this tournament pitted the Cup winner against the LALIGA EA SPORTS champion; however, the format has since changed to a 'Final Four', featuring the winners and runners-up of both competitions.

Consequently, both the winner and the runner-up of this year's Copa del Rey will participate in the next edition of the Spanish Super Cup.