FC Barcelona has successfully advanced to the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey after a decisive 4-0 victory against lower-tier team Barbastro on Saturday. The match showcased Barcelona’s dominance, with goals from Eric García, Robert Lewandowski (who scored twice), and Pablo Torre, serving as an excellent send-off for the team as they prepare for their upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.
The draw for the next round is scheduled for next Wednesday, with the subsequent matches taking place the following week. Notable moments for Barcelona included the debut of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and the return of Ronald Araujo, who took to the field for the first time after 181 days due to injury, proudly wearing the captain’s armband. Additionally, Ansu Fati made his return as a substitute, while 16-year-old Toni Fernandez made his senior debut, actively contributing to the team’s promising plays.
Despite the commanding win for Barcelona, Szczęsny had a quiet game, with minimal chances to prove himself due to the overwhelming control exercised by his teammates. Araujo had a significant influence early on, assisting Eric García in scoring the opening goal in the 21st minute from a cross by Frenkie de Jong. Lewandowski quickly followed, capitalizing on a free kick by Torre to make it 2-0, essentially sealing Barbastro’s fate before halftime.
The match continued in Barcelona’s favor, with Fermin Lopez assisting Lewandowski for a third goal before Torre added a fourth, capitalizing on a mistake by the Barbastro goalkeeper. Following this, the game settled down, as Barcelona focused on managing the final minutes, although they sought a fifth goal without success.
A concerning moment arose when Iñigo Martinez collided with Barbastro’s Jaime Ara, who required a stretcher to leave the field amidst applause from the home fans. Barcelona expresses well wishes for a speedy recovery for Ara. A heartwarming note came at the match’s conclusion when Barbastro’s Israel Garcia proposed to his girlfriend, adding a personal and joyful touch to the day’s events.
Looking ahead, FC Barcelona is now set for its challenge in Saudi Arabia, hopeful for continued success in both domestic and international competitions.
In summary, Barcelona’s strong performance not only signifies their capability heading into tougher matches but also highlights the emergence of young talent and the heartwarming moments that sports can inspire. As they continue their journey, fans are left optimistic about the team’s potential for success.