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20 March 2025

Copa De España Kicks Off In Murcia With Thrilling Matches

Barcelona defends its title while Jaén Paraíso Interior celebrates a decade since its first victory.

The 36th edition of the Copa de España will take place in Murcia from March 20 to March 23, 2025, and it promises to be an exciting showcase of the best in Spanish futsal. Barcelona will defend its title after a thrilling victory last year against El Pozo Murcia, decided in a nail-biting penalty shootout that ended 4-2. This year, the competition will feature strong contenders including Movistar Inter, Jaén Paraíso Interior, Illes Balears Palma Futsal, Servigroup Peñíscola, Jimbee Cartagena, and Industrias Santa Coloma, all aiming for glory.

The quarter-final matchups are set to kick off on March 20, starting with Movistar Inter facing Jaén Paraíso Interior at 19:00 hours, followed by Illes Balears Palma Futsal going against ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida at 21:15. The following day, on March 21, Servigroup Peñíscola will challenge Jimbee Cartagena Costa Cálida, and the last quarter-final will pit Industrias Santa Coloma against the defending champions, Barça, in a high-stakes match at 21:15. These games will be broadcasted on various channels including Teledeporte, Canal Sur, IB3, and TV3.

In addition to the quarter-finals, the semifinals will be held on March 22, with the first match commencing at 19:15, followed by the second semifinal at 21:30. The final will unfold on March 23 at 18:00, determining the champion of the Copa de España 2025. Fans can tune in to watch all the matches live on television, but for those who prefer a more interactive experience, AS provides a minute-by-minute commentary, highlights, and post-match analysis.

One of the key stories to follow in this year’s tournament is Jaén Paraíso Interior FS, which aims to commemorate the tenth anniversary of its first Copa de España title won back in 2015 in Ciudad Real. They will face off against Movistar Inter, a team with a rich history in the tournament, having won the competition twelve times, the last being in 2021.

Jaén Paraíso Interior is hungry for more success, coming off a recent victory against CA Osasuna Magna where they won 4-2, breaking a nine-match winless streak. They will need this momentum as they prepare to take on one of the toughest opponents in the quarter-finals, hoping to advance to the semifinals scheduled for March 22 at 19:15, where they will meet either Palma Futsal or ElPozo Murcia.

The historic rivalry between Movistar Inter and Jaén Paraíso Interior adds another layer of intrigue to the tournament. In their 33 encounters, Movistar leads with 19 wins, while Jaén has taken 9 victories and there have been 5 draws. Jaén hopes to change the narrative and earn their place in the semifinals this time.

Both teams come into the match with mixed recent performances. Movistar Inter is on a month-long winless streak, including two draws and one loss in their last three league matches, which may give Jaén a psychological advantage. However, Movistar houses key players like Drahovsky and Cecilio, both with 17 goals this season, and they need to rely on their attacking power for success.

Jaén’s rich history in the tournament is also notable. They won their first Copa de España title by defeating FC Barcelona 6-4 in the final back in 2015. The victory was an unexpected triumph that established Jaén as a credible force in Spanish futsal. Since that win, they have added two more titles to their name, in 2018 and 2023, also against Movistar Inter. Capturing another title in this year’s competition would provide a significant boost to their aspirations as they celebrate ten years since their first victory.

In a pre-match press conference, Jaén's coach, Alberto Riquer, acknowledged the weight of history and pressure involved in their quest, stating, “We have to valorize our reality. The players have faced injuries and challenges, yet the thrill of competing at the Copa de España invigorates us.” The coach emphasized the team's commitment to overcome adversities and perform at their best during the championship.

The upcoming Copa de España is not just a competition; it's a rich tapestry of ambition, history, and rivalry. The matches in Murcia promise to be action-packed, with each team determined to make their mark. With fans eagerly awaiting the matches, this tournament is set to be a highlight in the Spanish futsal calendar of 2025.