Barcelona began their Copa del Rey journey on a high note, decisively defeating fourth-tier Barbastro with a score of 4-0 and advancing to the round of 16. Striker Robert Lewandowski made a significant impact, scoring twice during the match.
The scoring opened with defender Eric García, who headed in a goal in the 21st minute. Lewandowski quickly followed, adding another goal just ten minutes later with a close-range header. The Polish striker then extended the lead early in the second half with a calm finish from near the penalty spot. Pablo Torre capped off the scoring in the 56th minute, taking advantage of a mistake from Barbastro’s goalkeeper Arnau Fabrega.
Coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their strong defense that left the opponents with minimal chances to score. Notably, this match marked Flick’s 100th victory in his managerial career, adding to the significance of the win. Additionally, Wojciech Szczesny, a former Poland goalkeeper, made his debut for Barcelona after coming out of retirement to fill in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The match also saw Ronald Araújo making his season debut, contributing to the defense after recovering from a hamstring injury. Flick praised Araújo for his leadership on the field and commended his performance throughout the match.
Barcelona controlled possession for approximately 80% of the game, showcasing their dominant style of play. They now look ahead to their upcoming challenge against Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, continuing their pursuit of silverware.
This victory not only reinforces Barcelona’s competitive spirit but also highlights their ability to adapt and effectively manage their roster while facing injuries. The team’s promising performance sets a positive tone as they move deeper into the Copa del Rey competition, showcasing their determination and resilience.