Barcelona and Real Madrid handed tough Copa draws

The standout ties of the last 16 draw for the Copa del Rey has paired Barcelona with Athletic Club and Real Madrid with Sevilla.

Barcelona's clash with Athletic is a repeat of the competition's final in 2015, when the Blaugrana emerged victorious on home turf with a 3-1 victory.

Last season's finalists Sevilla will be hoping to gain a measure of revenge on Real Madrid for beating them in heartbreaking fashion in this year's UEFA Super Cup final and will get the chance to do so in Spain's biggest domestic cup competition.

Atletico Madrid take on Las Palmas, while an exciting encounter will see Real Sociedad take on fellow Champions League-chasers Villarreal.

Elsewhere, Valencia have been paired with Celta Vigo, Deportivo with Alaves and Eibar with Osasuna in further all top flight games.

Hoping to do their bit for the lower division sides, Alcorcon have been drawn to face Cordoba.

The dates for the matches to be played are January 4 and January 11.

Copa del Rey draw:

UD Las Palmas-Atlético de Madrid

Alcorcón-Córdoba

Athletic-Barça

Real Madrid-Sevilla

Deportivo-Alavés

Real Sociedad-Villarreal

Valencia-Celta

Osasuna-Eibar