Güímar vs Hortaleza - Copa del Rey

Güímar prepare to host Hortaleza at the home ground on October 4, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Copa del Rey season. Altrincham vs Manchester United U21s highlights and reaction from pre-season fixture.

Both Güímar and Hortaleza will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Copa del Rey. Güímar will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Larson has not visited Victory Lane since May last year but remains firmly in championship contention, sitting eighth in the standings as the NASCAR Chase approaches in September.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Güímar may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Hortaleza have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. But this is still £10m short of what Etihad bosses are demanding for the World Cup winner, having originally stated they wanted at least £60m for the midfielder.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Copa del Rey picture. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.