Sun Jan 05 02:02:59 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Cruise to Copa del Rey Victory, Lewandowski Shines

**Barbastro, Spain** – FC Barcelona comfortably secured their place in the Copa del Rey round of 16 with a resounding 4-0 victory over fourth-tier side Barbastro on Saturday. Robert Lewandowski starred with a brace, showcasing his prolific form as LaLiga’s top scorer.

The Catalan giants dominated possession throughout the match, controlling nearly 80% of the game. Eric García opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a powerful header following a pinpoint pass from Frenkie De Jong, assisted by a Ronald Araújo header. Lewandowski added two more goals, one before and one shortly after half-time, before Pablo Torre capped the scoring in the 56th minute after a Barbastro goalkeeper error.

Lewandowski’s first goal came from a close-range header, his second a simple finish. Torre calmly slotted the ball into the net after Barbastro goalkeeper Arnau Fabrega’s attempted pass was intercepted.

The match also marked the debut of Barcelona’s emergency goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement in October to fill in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The win was also Coach Hansi Flick’s 100th managerial victory. Flick praised his team’s defensive performance, highlighting the team’s ability to keep Barbastro at bay. Araújo, making his season debut after a hamstring injury, played the full 90 minutes, demonstrating his fitness and leadership qualities. Barcelona rested key players Raphinha, Marc Casadó, and Alejandro Balde for the match.

Despite facing a strong opponent in Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Barcelona’s convincing win in the Copa del Rey signals their continued strong form and ambition for the season ahead.

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