The matchups for the 36th edition of the Spanish Cup of Murcia have been revealed. This tournament, which follows in the footsteps of Cartagena, was originally scheduled to take place from March 27 to 30 according to the official calendar. However, it was moved up by a week to accommodate a UCAM match in the Endesa League. Pending the decision of the RFEF’s National Soccer Committee. The event also highlights the political commitment of its president, Murcia’s José Miguel Monje, who secured the region’s role as the host for major Spanish indoor competitions after Andalusia’s withdrawal.
Backed by the financial approval of Fernando López Miras’ government. The draw, held at the San Esteban Palace—the headquarters of the Murcia Regional Presidency and Governing Council—was a low-key affair, with Cartagena’s Mayte Mateo, a player from STV Roldán, lending a hand in the process. Given the surge of futsal events in the region, it’s no surprise that López asserts, “It’s impossible to think of futsal without considering this region.” Monje echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for a regional final featuring local clubs.
The competition kicks off on Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m., with a high-stakes match between the winter champion, Movistar Inter, and Jaén Paraíso Interior. “We have a strong rival that performs well in this tournament and has a passionate following,” said Inter’s Baby. Host team ElPozo Murcia was paired with UEFA Futsal Champions League two-time winner, Illes Balears Palma Futsal. The match between Jamoneros, now coached by Dani Martínez, and the Balearic team is set for 9:15 p.m. Antonio Vadillo, coach of the Mallorcan team, noted, “They’ll be eager to bounce back after a disappointing start to the season.”
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On Friday, March 21, the second-seeded Servigroup Peñíscola will face Jimbee Cartagena, the Supercopa Liga champion and two-time titleholder, at 7:00 p.m. This follows their controversial postponed league match on January 15. Castellonenses and Meloneros will clash three times in a month and a half. Including a First Division match on February 7 and a Copa del Rey Final Four qualifier on February 12 at the Juan Vizcarro pavilion. The final quarterfinal, at 9:15 p.m., features a derby between Santa Coloma, celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Barça, with a history of intense rivalry, including their recent Catalonia Cup final.
Cartagena will host the finals of both the Copa del Rey and the Queen’s Cup, marking its fourth national tournament in just over a year. Despite the evident saturation, the Spanish Football Federation continues to favor the Palace of Sports as the venue for major indoor competitions, following its successful hosting of last season’s Spanish Cup and the recent Spanish Super Cup, where Jimbee defended their title. The men’s tournament will feature four teams competing in semifinals and finals on May 17 and 18, while the women’s competition will include eight teams playing quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals on May 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Among the participants are STV Roldán, Ourense Ontime, Castro Cando, current champion Melilla Torreblanca, Poio Pescamar, Gran Canaria Teldeportivo, Burela, and MRB Móstoles.
