History of the Copa del Rey champions from 1903 to 2024

📜 History, Key Moments, and Changes in the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup)
The Copa del Rey, or the King's Cup, is one of the oldest and most prestigious football competitions in Spain. This tournament has always delivered excitement, surprises, and intense matchups between both top-tier giants and lower-division underdogs.
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⚽ The Beginning (1903)
• The Copa del Rey was first held in 1903, with Athletic Bilbao winning the inaugural edition.
• Before the establishment of La Liga in 1929, this tournament was considered the main football competition in Spain.
• It is organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
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🔄 Major Changes and Historic Moments
1️⃣ Suspension During the Spanish Civil War
• During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), the competition was officially suspended.
• After the war, the tournament resumed under the name "Copa del Generalísimo", which lasted until 1976.
2️⃣ Return to "Copa del Rey" (1977)
• After the death of General Franco, the tournament’s name changed back to "Copa del Rey" (King’s Cup).
• This shift symbolized Spain's return to a constitutional monarchy and democracy.
3️⃣ Underdog Stories and Historic Upsets
• One of the unique elements of the Copa del Rey is the participation of lower-division teams, often resulting in stunning upsets.
• A famous example: Alcoyano (third-division team) eliminated Real Madrid in 2021.
4️⃣ Iconic Finals in Major Stadiums
• The final is often held in iconic venues like Mestalla, Wanda Metropolitano, or Estadio La Cartuja.
• Historic stadiums like Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabéu have also hosted several finals.
5️⃣ Format Changes (2020)
• Starting from the 2019–20 season, the format changed so that all rounds (except the semifinals) are single-leg matches.
• This increased excitement and the chances for lower-tier teams to cause upsets.
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🌟 Memorable Copa del Rey Moments
• Athletic Club is one of the most decorated clubs in the history of the competition.
• FC Barcelona holds the record for the most titles (over 30).
• The dramatic 2011 final: Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner in extra time.
• Real Betis won the cup in 2022, their first in 17 years, in a highly emotional final.
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