Match Pack: U. E. Rubí vs Athletic Club (Copa 23/24 First Round)

Athletic Club's 2023/24 Copa adventure is set to begin. The Lions' first match sees them take on Catalan outfit Unió Esportiva Rubí at Can Rosès in a single-leg tie on Wednesday night (21:30 CET). This is the first ever meeting between Athletic and UE Rubí.

This is a competition the Athleticzale family hold in high esteem and a trophy which Los Leones have lifted on 24 occasions throughout our history, the last time being in 1984. Since then, Athletic have reached the final a further five times (2009, 2012, 2015, 2020 and 2021) and in the past two years we've also played in consecutive semi-finals.

UE Rubí compete in Group 1 of the Liga Elite Catalana, the sixth tier of Spanish football. They are currently 10th in the standings with two wins, one draw and three defeats. The Catalans have qualified for the Copa after beating Rotlet Molinar in the preliminary qualifying round. UE Rubí have now gone 19 consecutive matches without defeat at home.
Match Info
UE Rubí vs Athletic Club

Can Rosés, Barcelona

Copa del Rey 2023/24 (First Round)

Wednesday November 1, 21:30 CET

Kick-off times

Team News
Valverde is taking a 22-man squad to Catalunya.

Yeray Álvarez, Ander Herrera and Yuri Berchiche remain on the sidelines.They are joined by Aitor Paredes, who has a back problem, and Nico Williams, who has pulled a thigh muscle.

Unai Egiluz and Hugo Rincón have been brought up from Bilbao Athletic as cover.

Valverde's Comments
The gaffer insisted Los Leones have the ability to come back from Barcelona with a positive result and urged his players to see it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

The Opponents

Founded in 1912, Unió Esportiva Rubí are based in the city of Rubí, on the outskirts of Barcelona. With 111 years of history behind them, they are considered one of the most iconic clubs in Catalan football.

After twice moving to different grounds. Rubi currently play their home matches at Can Rosès, a ground with artificial turf and a maximum capacity of 3,000 people.

For the match against Athletic Club, UE Rubí will work with their local council to allow up to 6,000 spectators in Can Rosès.

Rubí were promoted to the Third Division for the first time in 1990/91, where they have spent 13 seasons in total. In 92/93, they had one campaign in the Segunda B, the highest level the club have ever played in.