First round of Copa del Rey kicks off in Spain with tough games for Rayo & Espanyol

Madrid, Oct 27 (UNI) The first round of Spain's Copa del Rey kicks off on Tuesday, with 16 La Liga sides in action over the coming three days. The knockout format means that lower-division clubs get home advantage against top-flight opponents in the opening rounds, providing them with an important source of revenue and raising hopes of a giant-killing act. The first round features clubs from across Spain's football pyramid, including several amateur and regional sides that have qualified through the preliminary rounds and will host La Liga opponents. Cup holders Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid,…