FC Barcelona are through to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. However, the Catalans barely escaped with a black eye in their 3-2 win at fourth-division side UD Barbastro
Barcelona coach Xavi made five changes after the 2-1 defeat at UD Las Palmas – but still fielded a team of note. Instead of Joao Cancelo, Balde, Gündogan, Sergi Roberto and Lewandowski, Christensen, Fort, Oriol Romeu, Fermin and Joao Felix started
Barça keep Barbastro alive
It was to be expected that Barça would be in control of the game from the start – and so they were. However, their initial efforts initially went unrewarded, partly because the Barbastro defenders threw themselves into every action (10th) and keeper Arnau Fabrega saved time and time again. However, he was beaten when Fermin scored from close range (18). The Catalans ran the ball, but did not shine. They were also alert at the back in the person of Araujo when danger loomed (29).
A 2-0 lead for Barça at the break would have been more than deserved, but the referees also had something against them when they ruled Joao Felix’s goal offside (42′) – a tricky decision. There was no VAR. It took just six minutes after the break for the next goal to be scored: Raphinha converted a pass from Fort (51). However, the hosts became a little more offensive in the second half. Gonpi scored immediately after the break (46′), before Adria de Mesa actually scored the equalizer (60′). But even this goal might not have stood up with a VAR, as the assist was made with an elbow and the goalscorer was also in an offside position
Two penalty goals in the closing stages
Barça’s pressure eased as a result, with the underdogs sensing an opportunity to counter-attack. They did not succeed, although a blatant misplaced pass from Gündogan, which gave the hosts a corner, almost led to an equalizer. Israel Garcia headed the ball wide of the goal (80′).
In the 87th minute, the referee pointed to the spot because Javito had his arm too high when Lewandowski headed the ball. The Pole stepped up himself and scored the supposed redemption. Supposedly, because Barbastro were also awarded a penalty in stoppage time after Fermin Crespo was brought down. Marc Prat scored in the 90th + 3rd minute to tie the game up again. However, time ran out for the underdogs and Barça ultimately escaped with a black eye
Barcelona will play their next game on Thursday – against CA Osasuna in the Supercopa semi-final from 8pm.
