What Is 2015-16 Copa del Rey de Balonmano

Overview

The 2015–16 Copa del Rey de Balonmano was the 43rd edition of Spain’s premier domestic handball cup competition, organized by the Royal Spanish Handball Federation (RFEBM). It featured the top 16 teams from the Liga ASOBAL, Spain’s top professional handball league, competing in a single-elimination format to crown a national champion.

Hosted in Granollers, Catalonia, the final phase of the tournament took place over a weekend, culminating in a tightly contested final between FC Barcelona Lassa and BM Atlético Madrid. The event drew significant attention from fans and media, highlighting the growing popularity of handball in Spain.

• 16 teams participated in the tournament, all qualifying based on their standings in the first half of the 2015–16 Liga ASOBAL season.
• The final was held on June 19, 2016, at the Palau d'Esports de Granollers, a venue known for hosting major handball events.
• FC Barcelona Lassa won the title with a narrow 29–28 victory, marking their 22nd Copa del Rey triumph in club history.
• BM Atlético Madrid reached the final for the first time since rebranding from BM Neptuno, showcasing their resurgence in Spanish handball.
• The tournament followed a knockout format, with quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final all played over a single weekend in June.

How It Works

The Copa del Rey de Balonmano is structured as a short, high-intensity tournament that condenses the knockout stages into a single weekend, known as the 'Final Four' format. This format ensures dramatic, winner-takes-all matchups and maximizes fan engagement.

• Qualification: The top 16 teams from the first half of the Liga ASOBAL season qualify, ensuring only the best compete.
• Draw: A random draw determines matchups, often pitting top seeds against lower-ranked sides early on.
• Single Elimination: Each game is winner-advances, with no second chances, increasing the stakes of every match.
• Final Four Weekend: The last eight teams are whittled down to four, with semifinals and final played over three days.
• Venue Rotation: The host city changes annually; in 2016, Granollers was selected due to its handball tradition and facilities.
• Championship Prize: The winner earns the Copa del Rey trophy and a place in the following season’s Supercopa de España.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2015–16 edition stands out when compared to recent years in terms of competitiveness and attendance.

This table highlights FC Barcelona’s dominance during this era, winning four of the five Copa del Rey titles between 2012 and 2016. The 2015–16 final was the closest in this span, decided by a single goal, underscoring the rising competitiveness of teams like Atlético Madrid.

Why It Matters

The 2015–16 Copa del Rey de Balonmano was significant not only for its outcome but also for its role in promoting handball’s profile in Spain and Europe. The tournament showcased elite-level competition and helped elevate emerging teams while reinforcing Barcelona’s legacy.

• Barcelona’s 22nd title reinforced their status as the most successful club in Spanish handball history.
• The narrow final score of 29–28 demonstrated the increasing parity among top Liga ASOBAL teams.
• BM Atlético Madrid’s strong performance signaled their return as a major force in domestic handball.
• The event attracted over 5,000 spectators to the final, reflecting growing fan interest in the sport.
• Television coverage by RTVE and Eurosport expanded the tournament’s national and international reach.
• Success in the Copa del Rey often correlates with strong European performances, boosting club prestige.

Overall, the 2015–16 edition exemplified the excitement and unpredictability that make the Copa del Rey a cornerstone of the Spanish handball calendar.