Copa del Rey games all postponed after Spain train crash

Full evening scheduled postponed “as a sign of respect” after at least 64 people died

Wednesday's full slate of 24 Copa del Rey fixtures has been called off following a fatal rail disaster in central Spain.

At least 64 people have died after a high-speed train collided with the back of another service, causing two carriages to derail in Toledo province on Wednesday morning, according to Spanish news agency EFE.

The postponement impacts top-flight sides including Alaves, Celta Vigo, Levante, Real Betis and Valencia, who had all been set to begin their cup runs. Their postponed ties will be rescheduled for later dates.

Although Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid do not join the competition until the round of 32 in December, each club released statements offering their deepest sympathies to those affected.

A statement from the Spanish Football Federation, RFEF, read: "As a sign of respect and solidarity with all the victims of the tragic train accident that occurred early this Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo, the RFEF has suspended all 24 matches of the first round of the Spanish Championship-Copa del Rey originally scheduled for this afternoon and evening, as well as all other matches in competitions organised by the RFEF.

"The RFEF will announce the revised tournament schedule and the final times for the postponed matches in the coming days.

"The great Spanish football family remains united in grief at the tragedy, offering its support to the authorities to help the victims of this devastating accident."

A further set of fixtures featuring Sevilla, Racing Santander, Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo La Coruna, Getafe and Osasuna are scheduled to take place on Thursday.

In Tuesday's opening ties, Girona, Elche, Almeria, Las Palmas, Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano and Malaga all secured their places in the second round, while Espanyol suffered a 4-3 defeat away at Sestao River.