Surprises unlikely as Copa del Rey kicks off in Spain

MADRID, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The first-round matches of Spain's Copa del Rey are played over the coming days, although surprises are likely to be few and far between.

The format of the tournament means that the four sides who will compete in the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in January don't have to play the first two rounds.

That means that holders Athletic Bilbao, along with beaten finalists