Barbastro vs Barcelona
January 4, 2025 | 20:00 | Municipal de Deportes
King's Cup 2024-25 | Round of 16
Match Overview
The underdog Barbastro, representing Aragon in Spain, faces football giants Barcelona for the second consecutive year in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. After a valiant fight in last season's 2-3 defeat, Barbastro is poised to make history as they welcome the Blaugranas to Municipal de Deportes once again.
Barbastro: Dream Run in the King's Cup
Barbastro has been a revelation in the 2024-25 King's Cup. Under Dani MartÃnez, the fourth-division side has punched above its weight, defeating higher-division opponents Amorebieta (4-0) and Espanyol (2-0). Key players like Cito Barrera and Adria de Mesa have been instrumental, with both contributing vital goals.
However, their league form tells a different story. Sitting 16th in their group, Barbastro has had a tough season in the fourth division. Still, a seven-point haul in December has renewed hope for the team and its fans. Hosting Barcelona will undoubtedly be a high point of their season, providing inspiration and momentum for the league campaign ahead.
Barcelona: Finding Their Feet Amid Controversies
Barcelona enters the match amid off-field drama concerning the registration fiasco of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. Despite a turbulent December, which saw the Blaugranas drop crucial La Liga points, they remain dominant in the Champions League with five consecutive wins.
Manager Hans Flick is expected to rotate his squad, given the grueling schedule ahead, including fixtures in the Supercopa de España, La Liga, and the Champions League. With key injuries to Marc-André ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen, players like Wojciech Szczesny and Ronald Araújo are likely to step up.
Expected Line-ups
Barbastro: The home side is likely to stick with the squad that stunned Espanyol, with Cito Barrera and Adria de Mesa leading the attack.
Barcelona: A mix of regulars and bench players is expected, with Szczesny making his debut. Key stars may be rested for upcoming matches.
Prediction
Barcelona's superior quality makes them overwhelming favorites. While Barbastro will give their all in front of their home crowd, the gap in class is undeniable. Expect a comfortable 3-0 or 4-1 victory for the Blaugranas, with Barbastro possibly sneaking in a consolation goal.
