Barcelona begins Copa del Rey defence at Hercules

Madrid - Barcelona begins its defence of the Copa del Rey against Hercules next month, whilst Real Madrid faces a trip north to Leon to take on Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.

Hercules has suffered two relegations in the past six seasons to fall to Spanish football's third tier, but caused a major shock in beating Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barca side 2-0 at the Camp Nou in its last season in the top flight in September 2010.

Madrid, meanwhile, is looking to restore its pride in the competition after being thrown out for fielding an ineligible player in its first game of last season's competition at Cadiz.

Russian international Denis Cheryshev scored the opening goal of the game, but was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards when on loan at Villarreal the previous season.

The first leg of the ties will be played on Nov. 30 with the return on December 21.

"We know that every game is a new challenge," said Real Madrid's director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno.

"This is a wonderful competition. The final is one of the most attractive games a player can play in and we will do everything possible to get there."

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid faces CD Guijelo, who shot to fame last season thanks to a ham coloured away kit.

Last season's finalists Sevilla begins on the tiny island of Formentera off Ibiza.

Meanwhile, there are four all Primera Division ties as Sporting Gijon takes on Eibar, Leganes faces Valencia, Real Betis starts at home to Deportivo la Coruna and the two sides still without a win in the league this season, Granada and Osasuna, battle for a place in the last 16.

Draw in full:

Toledo v Villarreal

Formentera v Sevilla

Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa v Real Madrid

Hercules v Barcelona

Guijuelo v Atletico Madrid

Racing Santander v Athletic Bilbao

UNAM Murcia v Celta Vigo

Cordoba v Malaga

Valladolid v Real Sociedad

Huesca v Las Palmas

Gimnastic v Alaves

Alcorcon v Espanyol

Sporting Gijon v Eibar

Granada v Osasuna

Leganes v Valencia

Real Betis v Deportivo la Coruna