In the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, FC Barcelona achieved a decisive 4-0 victory over UD Barbastro, a team from the Spanish fourth division, at the Barbastro Municipal Stadium. This victory propels Barcelona to the round of 16, maintaining their quest for national titles.
Despite administrative challenges, including the rejection of new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor by the Federation and LaLiga, Barcelona presented a solid lineup. Coach Xavi Hernández highlighted the importance of the Copa del Rey, betting on a mix of veteran players and emerging talents.
The match began with Barcelona imposing dominance through ball possession and offensive pressure. In the 15th minute, Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with a precise header from Jordi Alba’s cross. Barbastro’s defense struggled to contain Barcelona’s offensive prowess, leading to a second goal in the 30th minute from Raphinha, who took advantage of a defensive error.
Barbastro, known for their previous defeat against RCD Espanyol, showed resistance but found limited opportunities against Barcelona’s organized defense. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen had no rival throughout the first half.
The second half was similar to the first, with Barcelona maintaining control. In the 60th minute, young Lamine Yamal showed his potential by scoring the third goal after a skillful dribble past the Barbastro defenders. The final goal came in the 75th minute when substitute Ansu Fati converted a low cross from Sergiño Dest, sealing the score 4-0.
After the match, Xavi praised the professionalism of his team: “We approached the match with the seriousness it deserved. The Copa del Rey is an important goal for us this season.” He also recognized Barbastro’s effort: “They played with heart and made things challenging at times.”
This victory extends Barcelona’s unbeaten streak and raises morale for the upcoming games. The team now awaits the round of 16 draw, with potential matchups against stronger opponents as the competition intensifies.
In other Copa del Rey action, Atlético Madrid will take on Marbella, aiming to continue their positive form from late 2024. Meanwhile, Sevilla faced a shock 4-1 defeat to Almería, highlighted for a hat-trick by Luis Suárez. Osasuna and Real Betis achieved victories against Tenerife and Huesca, respectively, while Athletic Club will face Logroñés.
Barcelona’s attention now turns to their next La Liga match, where they aim to maintain their position at the top of the table. The team’s recent performances indicate increasing cohesion and adaptability, essential attributes as they compete on multiple fronts this season.
The Copa del Rey remains a prestigious tournament that offers opportunities for lower level teams to challenge top level clubs. Barcelona’s comprehensive victory over Barbastro underlines the importance of experience and depth when facing knockout matches of this type.
As the season progresses, Barcelona’s team rotation and management will be crucial to sustaining their quest for titles. The integration of young talents such as Lamine Yamal, alongside established stars, reflects the club’s commitment to both immediate success and long-term development.
In summary, Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over Barbastro in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey highlights their professionalism and depth. Now that the focus is on future challenges, the team remains focused on achieving its goals in all competitions.