Güímar vs Hortaleza Copa del Rey tie suspended after violent incidents

The return leg of the Copa del Rey preliminary round between Atlético Unión Güímar and Sporting Hortaleza never got underway on Sunday at the Tasagaya stadium. The build-up was marred by violent incidents, including stones thrown at the visiting team's bus and a confrontation between members of both squads, that led to the match being suspended before kick-off.

The clash was set to decide a tie left open after the Madrid side's narrow first-leg victory. The winner would have earned a spot in the first round of Spain's knockout competition, with the draw scheduled for Monday.

Stones thrown at team bus and a locker room that refused to open

The violent episodes began as soon as Sporting Hortaleza arrived in Güímar. According to the Canary Islands broadcaster RTVC, a group of hooded individuals greeted the visiting team's coach by hurling stones at it. Similar scenes followed around the stadium, raising serious concerns among the Hortaleza players and coaching staff.

Once inside the venue, the Madrid players refused to take the pitch, arguing that there were not enough security guarantees. They requested a stronger police presence. Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional officers were deployed to the stadium, but the situation could not be turned around.

A near-brawl and an allegation from the home manager

Before the suspension was made official, local press reported a confrontation between members of both squads. Amid that tension, a bottle was thrown onto the pitch. The Güímar head coach also claimed to have been assaulted by a member of the visiting technical staff, an allegation that competition authorities will need to clarify.

The accounts from both sides differ, and it will be up to the Spanish Football Federation to determine exactly what happened in each incident. The future of the tie hinges on that decision.

What Betis, Sevilla, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano have at stake in the first round

Whoever advances from this preliminary tie will earn a place in the Copa del Rey first round, where La Liga opposition awaits. Monday's draw will pair the clubs coming through these early rounds with sides from higher divisions.

Among the potential matchups were Real Betis, Sevilla FC, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano. The question mark over who will take the Güímar or Hortaleza spot will remain until the Federation settles the case.

The other teams waiting for Monday's draw

Apart from the winner of Güímar-Hortaleza, three other clubs are still competing for a place in the first round. Balompédica Lebrijana, Recreativo de Huelva and CDA Navalcarnero are also in the running for those matchups in Monday's draw.

They have all been progressing through the opening rounds of a competition that gains traction as top-flight opponents enter the picture.

What options the Federation has to settle the tie

Federation bodies will now decide how to resolve a tie that was never played. Several alternatives are on the table: postponing the match and setting a new date, moving it to a neutral venue, or awarding Sporting Hortaleza direct qualification.

Until an official ruling is made, it will not be known which team will take the spot in the draw or who could face Betis or Sevilla in the next round.

Frequently asked questions about the Güímar-Hortaleza Copa del Rey suspension