January 4, 2025. 8:00 p.m. Barbastro. “Municipal Sports”.
Copa del Rey 2024-25. Round of 16
“Barbastro” – “Barcelona”
Suspensions : none
Injured: Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal (tous – “Barcelona”)
“Barbastro”
The Aragonese representatives reached the knockout stages of the Copa del Rey for the second year in a row, marking their best result in this tournament. For the second year in a row, Barbastro meets Barcelona at this stage. Last season, the fourth division side challenged the Catalans but ultimately lost 2-3. Adria de Mesa responded to goals from Fermín López and Raphinha, while Robert Lewandowski doubled the visitors’ lead to two goals in the 88th minute. However, in added time, Marc Prat converted a penalty, leaving the final score to “Municipal de Deportes”.
During the off-season, Dani Martínez’s team underwent significant changes – more than 10 players left, and as many new signings were made. In the current edition of the Copa del Rey, Barbastro achieved two convincing victories against opponents from higher divisions. Initially, the Aragonese crushed Amorebieta 4-0, and in the previous round they surprised by eliminating Espanyol with a score of 2-0. In both games, left defender Cito Barrera scored twice, and forward Adria de Mesa also contributed with a brace in the opener.
In their third meeting, Dani Martínez’s side will likely see their cup run come to an end, but fans will have the opportunity to witness first-hand one of the greatest clubs in the history of world football, which is already experiencing a second consecutive successful season by default. Perhaps this match will provide a positive boost for Barbastro, who were not so long at the bottom of the table in their fourth division group. However, in December, the Aragonese gained seven points thanks to home wins against Herniko and Ejea, as well as an away draw against Isarra, propelling them from 18th to 16th place.
“Barcelona”
During the New Year and Christmas break, discussions around the “Blaugranas” mainly revolved around the epic failure regarding the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. Spanish football authorities eventually acknowledged Joan Laporta’s actions, likening his behavior to that of an air salesman (referring to non-existent VIP seats at the Camp Nou, for example) and a king of various controllers. Nevertheless, there is speculation that the Catalans could manage to register the player they spent 60 million on this summer for the second half of the season. Reports suggested that January 3 was a decisive date on the matter, but by evening no concrete information had yet emerged.
Amidst this avalanche of news, people seem to have somewhat forgotten that Barcelona ended the previous calendar year on a bad note, losing three consecutive home games – 1:2 against Las Palmas, 0:1 against Leganés and 1:2 against Atlético de Madrid. They also suffered an away defeat against Real Sociedad, dropped points against Celta and Betis, but managed to win against Mallorca. However, Hans Flick’s side extended their Champions League winning streak to five games. Although they have no problems in the Champions League, they currently occupy third place in La Liga, having long remained alone at the top. They are two points behind Real and three behind Atlético, having played one more match than the two Madrid clubs.
Looking ahead, the ‘Blaugranas’ have at least four away games coming up. First, the cup match at Barbastro, followed by a trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup – a semi-final against Athletic, then there will be an away match against Getafe in the league and a trip to Lisbon to face Benfica in the Champions League. Additionally, another cup match will take place in the meantime. The only time Hans-Dieter Flick’s team will finally play at home is at the end of the month – on January 26, Valencia will visit Barcelona.
“Barbastro” – “Barcelona”: Predictable Lineups
Information regarding the staffing situation at Barbastro has been difficult to find, but overall it doesn’t seem that crucial. If everyone is fit, the hosts’ lineup should not change from their win against Espanyol. As for Barcelona, I don’t think Hans Flick will field all his star players, knowing that his team has a match against Athletic in a few days. Wojciech Szczesny is expected to make his debut, and Ronald Araújo and other players who were either injured or competing for a starting spot during the first half of the season are likely to start.
“Barbastro” – “Barcelona”: Author’s Prediction
It is clear who the favorites are. It all depends on the lineup that coach Hans Flick will field, as well as the preparation and motivation of the “Blaugranas” players. If they are eager to win convincingly, they will undoubtedly do so. However, the quality gap is so vast that there is no need to expend unnecessary energy. As for the prediction, I am betting on a Barcelona victory with a difference of 3 to 4 goals. The only question is whether it will be a clean sheet or whether Barbastro will manage to score again against Barcelona.
