Spanish Copa del Rey matches suspended after train crash near Madrid

All 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday have been suspended. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) made the decision as a mark of respect after a train crash near Madrid, in the province of Toledo, where more than 30 people lost their lives.

• The RFEF suspends the entire Wednesday Copa del Rey schedule after the Toledo crash.
• More than 500 passengers were traveling on the trains that collided and derailed.
• Levante, Alavés, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis were set to play in the first round.
• Real Madrid and Barcelona issued messages of condolence and support for those affected.
• Thursday's matches remain unaffected for now.

RFEF suspends Wednesday's Copa del Rey round in solidarity with victims

The governing body announced that the suspension of the 24 opening-round matches is a response to the solidarity with the victims of the crash. The measure affects every game scheduled for that date, a day that was set to kick off the competition with clubs from various divisions.

Which LaLiga clubs were due to play in the Copa del Rey first round

Five top-flight clubs had matches lined up for Wednesday: Levante, Alavés, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis. All of them were scheduled to compete in the opening round of the tournament, a stage that does not yet include Spain's biggest clubs.

Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid do not enter the Copa del Rey until the round of 32, so their schedules were not affected by the suspension.

The train crash in Toledo that brought football to a halt

The two trains involved in the incident were carrying more than 500 passengers at the time of the collision and subsequent derailment in the province of Toledo, south of the capital. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked by the accident and offered support to all the victims and their families.

Real Madrid and Barcelona offer condolences after the tragedy

FC Barcelona posted a message on social media to express its condolences for the railway accident between Los Yébenes and Urda. The Catalan club conveyed its support and solidarity to the families and friends of the victims, while also wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.

The club wishes to convey its support and solidarity to the families and friends of the victims and to wish all those injured a speedy recovery.

Real Madrid published a statement on its website expressing deep sorrow over the accident in Toledo. The club extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as its affection and solidarity to the injured and everyone affected by the incident.

The Madrid club also voiced its full support for the emergency services and all personnel involved in the rescue efforts, sharing in the grief of those impacted during these moments of profound sadness.

What the suspension means for the Copa del Rey schedule

Thursday's matches remain unaffected by the measure. The RFEF has not yet released a revised schedule for the postponed games originally set for Wednesday. The governing body is expected to announce in the coming days when those opening-round fixtures will be played.