Reigning champions Barcelona opened the quarter-finals in Albacete against the only Hypermotion League team remaining in the competition. Albacete had just eliminated Real Madrid and put Barça in a tight spot, forcing them to fight until the end to secure their place in the semi-finals.

On Wednesday, it was the turn of the Basque teams. On the one hand, Real Sociedad came back from behind at Mendizorroza against Alavés after trailing throughout the match. On the other hand, a goal by Iñaki Williams in added time, from a pass by his brother Nico, gave Athletic a valuable win at Mestalla against Valencia to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

Finally, on Thursday, Betis and Atlético Madrid closed out the quarter-final round at La Cartuja stadium in Seville. ‘Diego Pablo Simeone's side ran riot against their opponents in a superb first half. Everything went perfectly for the Colchoneros, who, in Lookman's debut, put in their best performance of the season.’

Copa del Rey quarter-final results

• Albacete 1-2 Barcelona
• Alavés 2-3 Real Sociedad
• Valencia 1-2 Athletic
• Betis 0-5 Atlético de Madrid

The semi-finals, drawn

With no time to lose, the Copa del Rey semi-finals were drawn this Friday. This round will be a two-legged tie, with the first legs to be played next week. The second legs will be played in the first week of March. The final, which will take place at La Cartuja stadium, will be played in April.

The draw has produced two high-voltage ties. On the one hand, Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona will face each other in a duel that promises to be exciting. The first leg will be played next week at the Metropolitano, while the second leg will be in the first week of March at the Camp Nou.

On the other hand, the other semi-final will be the Basque derby. Athletic and Real Sociedad will contest a fiercely competitive tie with a place in the Copa del Rey final at stake. The first leg will be played at San Mamés. The tie will be decided at the Reale Arena in three weeks' time.

Copa del Rey semi-finals

• Atlético Madrid - Barcelona
• Athletic - Real Sociedad