Real Madrid beat Levante after back-to-back cup defeats whilst Mallorca edged nine-man Athletic Club in an action-packed weekend of La Liga action.
Barcelona have received a major boost as Joao Cancelo completed his medical ahead of a loan return from Al Hilal, with the deal set to be made official shortly.
Real Madrid moved quickly after confirming Xabi Alonso's departure, but the bigger focus inside the club is now on who could become the next long-term head coach.
Real Madrid and Barcelona will both face lower-division sides in the Round of 16 of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, setting up intriguing single-leg ties scheduled for 13–15 January.
FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has found a reliable central defensive pairing in Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin.
Joan Garcia has continued his rise at Barcelona with a historic performance against Espanyol on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet while making six crucial saves.