Barcelona launched their Copa del Rey journey with an impressive 4-0 victory over fourth-tier team Barbastro, propelling them into the round of 16. In this dominating performance, striker Robert Lewandowski showcased his scoring prowess with two goals.
The match began with a header from defender Eric García, putting Barcelona ahead in the 21st minute. Lewandowski extended the lead shortly after, nodding in another goal just ten minutes later. He continued his scoring streak at the start of the second half, netting a third goal with a composed low finish from near the penalty spot. Pablo Torre capped off the triumph in the 56th minute, taking advantage of a miscommunication in the Barbastro defense.
Coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their solid defense that denied the opponents any scoring opportunities. The victory marked Flick’s 100th win as a manager, a notable milestone in his career. Additionally, Barcelona’s emergency signing, Wojciech Szczesny, made his debut as goalkeeper after joining the club in October.
Ronald Araújo made his comeback as well, having recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the Copa America. Flick praised Araújo’s leadership on the field, highlighting the importance of his presence in the team. Despite facing a resolute Barbastro side, Barcelona maintained dominance throughout the match, controlling approximately 80% of possession.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will shift their focus to the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Club on Wednesday, while Barbastro currently languishes in 16th place in Group Two of the Segunda Federacion.
This emphatic victory not only instills confidence within the Barcelona squad but also showcases their potential as they navigate through the tournament. Fans will be hopeful that this momentum continues in their upcoming matches. The resilience and teamwork displayed during the match is a positive sign for the future.