Madrid, Oct. 27 -- The first round of Spain's Copa del Rey knockout competition kicks off this week with matches held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Although the first and second rounds of the Copa don't include Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club, who will play in the Spanish Super Cup in January, they do provide plenty of excitement as the competition format places the team from the lower division at home.
That means La Liga clubs will play the first two rounds away from home, increasing the likelihood of an upset and offering lower-division fans the chance to see top-flight teams on grounds that seldom meet first-division standards.
Coaches from La Liga teams can view the Copa in two ways. Some see it as ...