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In the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, FC Barcelona secured a decisive 4-0 victory over UD Barbastro, a team from Spain’s fourth tier, at the Estadio Municipal de Barbastro. This win propels Barcelona into the Round of 16, maintaining their pursuit of domestic silverware.
Despite administrative challenges, including the rejection of new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor by the Federation and LaLiga, Barcelona fielded a strong lineup. Manager Xavi Hernández emphasized the importance of the Copa del Rey, opting for a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents.
The match commenced with Barcelona asserting dominance through ball possession and offensive pressure. In the 15th minute, Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with a precise header from a Jordi Alba cross. Barbastro’s defense struggled to contain Barcelona’s attacking prowess, leading to a second goal in the 30th minute by Raphinha, who capitalized on a defensive error.
Barbastro, known for their earlier upset against RCD Espanyol, exhibited resilience but found limited opportunities against Barcelona’s organized defense. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen remained largely unchallenged throughout the first half.
The second half mirrored the first, with Barcelona maintaining control. In the 60th minute, youngster Lamine Yamal showcased his potential by scoring the third goal after a skillful dribble past Barbastro’s defenders. The final goal came in the 75th minute when substitute Ansu Fati converted a low cross from Sergiño Dest, sealing the 4-0 result.
Post-match, Xavi praised his team’s professionalism: “We approached the game with the seriousness it deserved. The Copa del Rey is a significant objective for us this season.” He also acknowledged Barbastro’s efforts: “They played with heart and made things challenging at times.”
This victory extends Barcelona’s unbeaten streak and boosts morale ahead of upcoming fixtures. 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 de Madrid is set to face Marbella, aiming to continue their positive form from late 2024. Meanwhile, Sevilla faced a surprising 4-1 defeat to Almería, highlighted by a hat-trick from Luis Suárez. Osasuna and Real Betis secured victories against Tenerife and Huesca, respectively, while Athletic Club is scheduled to play against Logroñés.
Barcelona’s focus now shifts 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 a growing cohesion and adaptability, essential attributes as they compete on multiple fronts this season.
The Copa del Rey remains a prestigious tournament, offering opportunities for lower-tier teams to challenge top-flight clubs. Barcelona’s comprehensive win over Barbastro underscores the importance of experience and depth in navigating such knockout fixtures.
As the season progresses, Barcelona’s squad rotation and management will be crucial in sustaining their pursuit of titles. The integration of young talents like Lamine Yamal, alongside established stars, reflects the club’s commitment to both immediate success and long-term development.
In summary, Barcelona’s 4-0 triumph over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 highlights their professionalism and depth. With attention now turning to future challenges, the team remains focused on achieving their objectives across all competitions.
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