Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona claimed a 2:0 victory over Guadalajara last night in the Copa del Rey Round of 32
- Goals from Andreas Christensen in the 76th minute and Marcus Rashford in the 90th minute secured the win
- The Catalan side struggled to break down their third-division opponents and relied on late breakthroughs
Match Analysis
Barcelona, current holders of the Copa del Rey, experienced a far more challenging evening than expected as they faced third-division side Guadalajara away in the Round of 32. Despite dominating possession, the La Liga leaders needed to wait until the final quarter-hour to break the deadlock, eventually prevailing 2:0 and booking their place in the next round.
The match, held in Guadalajara, commenced thirty minutes behind schedule due to a security issue with a temporary stand, which delayed supporter entry into the stadium.
Mission accomplished ✔ pic.twitter.com/WJi7vdF61u
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 16, 2025
Key Moments and Tactical Adjustments
Throughout the first half, Barcelona struggled to find any fluency in attack. Guadalajara’s deep defensive set-up frustrated the Catalan side, who were limited to largely speculative efforts. Early on, Marcus Rashford and Yamal were deployed in unfamiliar positions, with Yamal operating centrally behind Rashford and Fermín López on the left. Marc Casado was tasked with right-back duties. After an unconvincing opening period, manager Hansi Flick reverted key players to their usual roles, moving Yamal and Rashford out to the wings and shifting Fermín López into the centre of attack. However, clear chances remained elusive.
Guadalajara, meanwhile, showed no signs of being overawed, registering the first shot on target in the 5th minute, which Marc-André ter Stegen did well to keep out. Eric García nearly gave Barcelona the lead moments later, but home goalkeeper Dani Vicente rose to the challenge.
In the 14th minute, Yamal missed an opportunity to connect with Frenkie de Jong’s cross, as Barcelona continued to probe without success. Guadalajara maintained their compact shape, looking to threaten with set pieces and long-range efforts, but Barcelona’s notable chance in the first half came from a Fermín López shot and a García header on the cusp of half-time, both well dealt with by Vicente.
Second Half – High Drama and Late Goals
Barcelona increased their tempo after the break, with Rashford going through on goal in the 48th and 52nd minutes, but both efforts were stopped by Vicente. Despite these opportunities, Barcelona’s attacking impetus soon waned and the hosts grew in confidence. A crucial interception from Andreas Christensen in the 70th minute prevented a potentially dangerous Guadalajara counter.
The hosts nearly took the lead themselves in the 73rd minute, when Tonio Calvo’s effort narrowly missed an open goal. With Barcelona frustrated, Flick introduced Pedri and Jules Kounde for added impetus. The opening goal arrived in the 76th minute, as Christensen’s header took a deflection off a Guadalajara defender and deceived Vicente, finally breaking the deadlock.
Guadalajara responded well, forcing ter Stegen into two fine saves in the 80th and 81st minutes to preserve Barcelona’s fragile lead. Buoyed by the narrow escape, Barcelona pressed and restored control of the match. In the 90th minute, Yamal provided the decisive pass for Rashford, who fired home to complete the 2:0 scoreline and seal progression.
| Fixture | Score | Goalscorers | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalajara vs Barcelona | 0:2 | Christensen (76’), Rashford (90’) | Guadalajara | Round of 32 |
Player Performances and Notable Statistics
Marc-André ter Stegen, making his first competitive appearance since last season, wore the captain’s armband and delivered several crucial saves, particularly as Guadalajara pressed late in the second half. Barcelona’s squad rotation saw key players like Pedri, Kounde, and Cubarsi introduced from the bench, while Yamal and Rashford were required to complete the full 90 minutes rather than being rested as initially intended.
Last night’s result marked Barcelona’s sixth successive victory in all competitions. The Catalans will round off the calendar year with an away fixture against third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.
