Barcelona begin Copa del Rey defence at Hercules

Barcelona begin their defence of the Copa del Rey against Hercules next month, while Real Madrid face a trip north to Leon to take on Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.

Hercules have suffered two relegations in the past six seasons to fall to Spanish football's third tier, but caused a major shock in beating Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barca side 2-0 at the Camp Nou in their last season in the top flight in September 2010.

Madrid, meanwhile, are looking to restore their pride in the competition after being thrown out for fielding an ineligible player in their first game of last season's competition at Cadiz.

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Russian international Denis Cheryshev scored the opening goal of the game, but was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards when on loan at Villarreal the previous season.

The first leg of the ties will be played on November 30 with the return on December 21.

"We know that every game is a new challenge," said Real Madrid's director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno.

"This is a wonderful competition. The final is one of the most attractive games a player can play in and we will do everything possible to get there."

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid face CD Guijelo, who shot to fame last season thanks to a ham-coloured away kit.

Last season's finalists Sevilla begin on the tiny island of Formentera off Ibiza.

Meanwhile, there are four all Primera Division ties as Sporting Gijon take on Eibar, Leganes face Valencia, Real Betis start at home to Deportivo la Coruna and the two sides still without a win in the league this season, Granada and Osasuna, battle for a place in the last 16.

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Draw in full:
Toledo v Villarreal
Formentera v Sevilla
Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa v Real Madrid
Hercules v Barcelona
Guijuelo v Atletico Madrid
Racing Santander v Athletic Bilbao
UNAM Murcia v Celta Vigo
Cordoba v Malaga
Valladolid v Real Sociedad
Huesca v Las Palmas
Gimnastic v Alaves
Alcorcon v Espanyol
Sporting Gijon v Eibar
Granada v Osasuna
Leganes v Valencia
Real Betis v Deportivo la Coruna

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