FC Barcelona commences its defence of the Copa del Rey trophy this Tuesday, facing lower-league side Deportivo Guadalajara in a highly anticipated first-round encounter. The match marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in a competitive fixture, with Barça aiming to maintain momentum after a recent league victory against Osasuna. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM CET, presenting a unique challenge as the Catalan giants navigate a new competition with distinct broadcast arrangements.

Having secured a crucial win in La Liga, the focus now shifts squarely to Spain’s prestigious domestic cup competition. The Copa del Rey offers a different pathway to silverware, and Barcelona, as reigning champions, will be keen to assert their dominance from the outset. This initial fixture against Deportivo Guadalajara, though against a less-fancied opponent, demands full concentration as cup competitions are renowned for their potential upsets.

Fans worldwide eager to follow Barcelona’s Copa del Rey journey should note that broadcast rights for this competition differ significantly from those for La Liga or the UEFA Champions League. This means the match may not be available on the usual channels that typically air Barça’s games. Viewers are strongly advised to verify local listings and consult the official websites of their regional broadcasters for the most accurate and up-to-date transmission information.

Across Europe, a variety of platforms will carry the live action. In Spain, Movistar will broadcast the game at 9:00 PM CET. Viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland can tune into Premier Sports at 8:00 PM GMT. France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy will access the match via DAZN, also at 9:00 PM CET, while Ziggo Sport covers the Netherlands. Poland offers coverage through Eleven Sports 1 and Canal+, with Sport 2 in Hungary, and Arena (plus Moja TV in Bosnia) serving the Balkan Republics. Albania’s SuperSport 1 Digitalb, Finland’s VeikkausTV, Bulgaria’s Max Sport, Israel’s Sport 4, and Russia’s Match will also broadcast the game, with staggered kick-off times reflecting local time zones.

Football enthusiasts across the Americas will also have opportunities to watch the match. In the United States, ESPN Select, fuboTV, and the ESPN App will provide coverage, with kick-off times varying from 12:00 PM PT in Los Angeles to 3:00 PM ET in New York. Colombian fans can watch on Win Sports at 3:00 PM, while Argentina’s Flow Sports will air the game at 5:00 PM. Disney+ Premium Brazil is the destination for Brazilian viewers, with the match starting at 5:00 PM in Brasilia, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the continent.

African audiences are well-catered for, with various networks providing access to the Copa del Rey clash. In North Africa, including Morocco (9:00 PM), Libya (10:00 PM), and Egypt (11:00 PM), Shahid and Shasha will be the primary broadcasters. Sub-Saharan Africa will see StarTimes Sports Premium carry the match, with kick-off times ranging from 8:00 PM in Senegal and Ghana to 11:00 PM in Ethiopia. Portuguese-speaking nations like Angola (9:00 PM) and Mozambique (10:00 PM) can watch on ZAP.

The match will also reach a wide audience across Asia. In Arab countries and Iran, Shahid and Shasha will broadcast the fixture, with timings such as 11:00 PM in Mecca and 11:30 PM in Iran. The Indian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Pakistan (1:00 AM), India (1:30 AM), and Bangladesh (2:00 AM), will find coverage on Fancode FC. Further east, China’s ZhiBo8 will show the game at 4:00 AM, and Japan’s U-Next will broadcast at 5:00 AM, accommodating various time zones into the early hours of Wednesday.

For those unable to access live television broadcasts, FC Barcelona ensures comprehensive digital coverage. The club’s official match center will provide real-time updates, minute-by-minute commentary, and statistical insights throughout the game. Additionally, extensive live coverage will be available across FC Barcelona’s official social media platforms, including dedicated accounts for English, Catalan, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian audiences, providing an alternative way to stay connected with the action.

It is important for supporters to remember that FC Barcelona is not directly responsible for the distribution of television rights. The information provided serves as a guide, and fans should always cross-reference with local broadcaster schedules. This inaugural Copa del Rey match represents a crucial step in the club’s pursuit of further silverware, setting the tone for their campaign in one of Spain’s most historic football competitions.

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