Sat Jan 04 21:03:08 UTC 2025: **FC Barcelona Cruise to Copa del Rey Last 16 with 4-0 Victory**
BARBASTRO, Spain – FC Barcelona secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over lower-league side Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, advancing to the last 16. Goals from Eric García, a brace from Robert Lewandowski, and Pablo Torre sealed the win, providing a perfect send-off for the squad before their departure for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The match saw the highly anticipated return of Ronald Araujo from a 181-day injury layoff, where he captained the side. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny also made his debut for the club, though he was largely untested due to Barcelona’s dominance. Ansu Fati also made a return from injury as a second-half substitute, and 16-year-old Toni Fernandez made his first-team debut.
Araujo played a pivotal role in the opening goal, assisting García with a perfectly placed header. Lewandowski added two more goals, one a header from a Pablo Torre free kick and the other a composed finish following an assist from Fermín López. A goalkeeper error gifted Torre a fourth goal, solidifying Barcelona’s victory.
While Barcelona controlled the match throughout, there was a moment of concern when Iñigo Martínez collided with Barbastro’s Jaime Ara, who had to be stretchered off. The club wished Ara a speedy recovery. The match also ended on a celebratory note as Barbastro’s Israel Garcia proposed to his girlfriend following the final whistle.
The draw for the next round of the Copa del Rey takes place on Wednesday, with matches scheduled for the following week. Barcelona will now travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Spanish Super Cup.
First Piper 