Get to know UD Maracena, Valencia CF's opponent in the first round of the Copa del Rey

Valencia CF will face UD Maracena in the first round of the 2025–26 Copa del Rey, with the match set to take place between October 28 and 30, following the draw held by the RFEF at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas.

Photo: Diego Lemus

Known as 'los azulillos', the club takes its name from its hometown, Maracena. This Andalusian municipality is located in the heart of the Vega de Granada region and has a population of over 22,000.

Photo: Diego Lemus

The club was founded in 1945, making this year its 80th anniversary. UD Maracena currently competes in Group II of the Andalusian División de Honor — equivalent to the Lliga Comunitat of the FFCV — and reached this first round of the Copa del Rey after defeating Sporting de Ceuta in the preliminary stage. Their match against Valencia CF will mark the first time in the club’s history that they face a top-flight opponent.

It’s worth remembering that back in January 2001, Valencia CF also traveled to the province of Granada to face Guadix CF — a club that, like their upcoming opponent, was not competing in the top national divisions. That Copa del Rey match ended in a 4–4 draw, but Valencia were ultimately knocked out on penalties. The goals for Los Che came from Zahovic (brace), Baraja, and Vicente.