1997–98 Copa del Rey explained

The 1997–98 Copa del Rey was the 96th staging of the Copa del Rey.

The competition started on 3 September 1997 and concluded on 29 April 1998 with the final, held at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia.

Format

Schedule
Round	Fixture	Clubs	Gain entry
First round	23	66 → 43	Teams from: 2ª División and 2ª División B
Second round	18	43 → 25	Teams from: 1ª División
Third round	9	25 → 16
Round of 16	8	16 → 8	Teams playing European competitions (*)
Quarter-finals	4	8 → 4
Semi-finals	2	4 → 2
Final	1	2 → 1

All rounds are played over two legs apart the final which is played a single match in a neutral venue.
In the event that aggregate scores finish level, the away goals rule. (This rule applies also in extra time)
In case of a tie on aggregate, will play an extra time of 30 minutes, and if no goals are scored during extra time, the tie is decided by penalty shootout.
The winners of the competition will earn a place in the group stage of next season's UEFA Cup, if they have not already qualified for European competition, if so then the runners-up will instead take this berth.
The teams that play European competitions are exempt until the round of 16.
Reserve teams are excluded from the tournament.