Hansi Flick rang the modifications for Barcelona’s journey to the Pedro Escartín to face third-tier Guadalajara, and whereas high quality nonetheless crammed the pitch, the Blaugrana had been made to work far more durable than anticipated of their first Copa del Rey outing of the season, Softfootball reviews.
Recent from a snug 2-0 La Liga win over Osasuna, Barcelona had been extensively tipped to cruise by way of this tie. In actual fact, Softfootball’s pre-match preview had boldly predicted a 5-0 rout a forecast that proved wildly optimistic as Guadalajara delivered a disciplined and brave efficiency.
A delayed kick-off, brought on by followers filtering into non permanent stands, set the tone for an uncommon night. As soon as underway, the opening exchanges had been cagey within the chilly circumstances, with Barcelona dominating possession however struggling to interrupt down a well-organised dwelling defence. Fermín López went closest earlier than the break with a swerving effort from distance, whereas Eric García twice discovered house within the field without cost headers one comfortably saved, the opposite glanced over the bar.
Barcelona’s greatest likelihood early within the second half fell to Marcus Rashford, however the ahead was denied by a superb cease from Daniel Vicente. Flick responded by progressively introducing his heavy artillery, sending on Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde and Pedri in a transparent sign that endurance was carrying skinny.
Regardless of the reinforcements, clear-cut probabilities remained scarce. Lamine Yamal’s direct working was repeatedly snuffed out, whereas Andreas Christensen was required to intervene defensively to chop out Guadalajara’s most harmful transfer of the night time. Moments later, the Dane proved decisive on the different finish.
With just below quarter-hour remaining, {a partially} cleared nook fell to Frenkie de Jong by way of Pedri, and the Dutchman’s teasing cross picked out Christensen on the again put up. His close-range header took a deflection and looped excessive into the online, lastly breaking Guadalajara’s resistance.
The hosts responded admirably, pushing ahead with renewed perception. Barcelona captain Marc-André ter Stegen, making his first look of the season, was referred to as into motion twice most notably producing a pointy save to repel a fierce strike from Salifo Caropitchie.
As Guadalajara dedicated numbers ahead in the hunt for an equaliser, areas inevitably opened up. Lamine Yamal exploited one such second, slipping a wonderfully weighted move in behind the defence for Rashford, who made no mistake this time, rounding Vicente and ending excessive into the online to seal the tie.
After the sport, Barcelona shared by way of its official X deal with, celebrations of Andreas Christensen and teammates as they lastly discovered the break by way of towards a decided Guadalajara facet. They posted:
The ultimate whistle was met with loud applause from the house crowd, whose relentless help mirrored a efficiency filled with coronary heart and organisation. Whereas the scoreline in the end favoured Barcelona, this was removed from the stroll many anticipated.
For Flick, the night time provided restricted tactical takeaways, however precious minutes for children Marc Bernal and Torrents, and a formidable all-round show from Andreas Christensen ensured Barcelona progressed, though with out the fireworks many had predicted.
