Sat Jan 04 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Cruises to Copa del Rey Victory, Young Star Makes History
**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona kicked off 2025 with a resounding victory over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, overcoming a recent slump of poor results. The match was highlighted by a stellar performance from Pablo Torre, who scored two goals and added an assist. The game also marked the debut of Ronald Araujo under manager Hansi Flick, and even more impressively, the 16-year-old Toni Fernández became the club’s second-youngest debutant ever, surpassed only by Lamine Yamal.
Fernández’s appearance further solidifies Barcelona’s reputation for cultivating young talent. The win sets a positive tone as Barcelona prepares to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for the Spanish Super Cup, where they will face Athletic Club in a semi-final clash.
Manager Flick addressed several key issues post-match. He expressed confidence that the club will resolve the registration issues for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. He also commented on the return of Araujo from injury, stating that the captain’s performance was promising. Flick confirmed that Lamine Yamal is expected to be ready for the Super Cup, while Raphinha was left out due to injury concerns. The manager also noted that the club is focused on the upcoming matches and not distracted by external matters.
Rumors continue to swirl around potential transfers, with Viktor Gyökeres reportedly rejecting Manchester United and potentially opening the door for a move to Barcelona. Meanwhile, speculation abounds regarding a Barcelona defender potentially challenging Nuno Mendes for a starting position at PSG.
The victory comes amidst a busy football landscape, with Arsenal dropping points in the Premier League and other notable events in European football unfolding.