Atletico Madrid is set to host Real Madrid in the marquee match of the Spanish Copa del Rey's fourth round, following Monday night's draw.

Rodrygo (R) of Real Madrid breaks through during a La Liga football match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain, Sept. 24, 2023. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

This much-anticipated clash, slated for Jan. 16, 17, and 18, will see the fierce local rivals face off twice in one week, as they also contend in the Spanish Supercup's first semifinal in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.

While Real Madrid leads La Liga, Atletico Madrid, currently in fifth place, boasts a 3-1 victory over their rivals in their September league match at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The draw's announcement came just an hour after the thrilling conclusion to the third round's final game between third-tier Unionistas of Salamanca and Villarreal.

Sunday night's match at Unionistas' ground was halted due to floodlight failure, with the score tied 1-1 after regulation time. The resumption on Monday saw no goals in extra time, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Unionistas triumphed 7-6, with missed penalties by Alberto Moreno and Kiko Femenia of the Primera Liga side. This victory sets Unionistas up for another significant encounter as they now prepare to take on FC Barcelona.

Barcelona narrowly overcame fourth-tier Barbastro with a 3-2 win Sunday night and now faces a challenging game at the compact Reina Sofia Stadium.

Girona, tied in points with Real Madrid in La Liga, harbors high hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for only the second time in their history. They were favorably drawn to play at home against Rayo Vallecano.

The draw also features two regional derbies: last year's finalists, Osasuna, will play Real Sociedad at home, while Athletic Club Bilbao welcomes Alaves to the San Mames Stadium.

In another evenly matched pairing, Valencia hosts Celta Vigo, while Getafe, playing at home, emerges as the favorites against a Sevilla side just above La Liga's relegation zone.

Second-division Tenerife, one of the two teams from outside the top flight in the last 16, earned a favorable draw against Mallorca, following their victory in the Canary Island derby against Las Palmas on Sunday. Mallorca, more focused on distancing themselves from the relegation zone, might prioritize league survival over Cup progression.

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