Barcelona Leave It Late to Avoid Copa del Rey Shock

Delayed kickoff sets the tone

Barcelona were forced to wait both before and during the match as they edged past third-division Guadalajara 2-0 in the Copa del Rey round of 32, with the game delayed by 30 minutes due to safety concerns over a newly built temporary grandstand.

Local authorities initially blocked fan access to the new stand at the Pedro Escartín stadium, causing long queues outside the ground. Police eventually allowed supporters in, increasing the stadium’s capacity from just under 6,000 to around 8,000, but the unusual start added an air of tension to the occasion.

Barça dominance without incision

Once play finally got underway, Barcelona controlled possession from the opening minutes but found it difficult to break down an organised and disciplined Guadalajara side. Despite the gulf in divisions, clear-cut chances were scarce during a flat first half.

Head coach Hansi Flick later praised his team’s approach rather than their fluency. He highlighted the importance of mentality in Copa del Rey ties, where lower-league opposition often defend deep and rely on resilience rather than ambition.

Ter Stegen returns amid uncertainty

The match also marked the first start of the season for Marc-André ter Stegen, who returned to fitness with Joan García rested. Flick reiterated before and after the game that García remains his first-choice goalkeeper, stressing that Ter Stegen’s inclusion was a chance to prove his readiness rather than a shift in the hierarchy.

Ter Stegen was tested early when a Guadalajara effort from near the halfway line forced him into a hurried recovery to prevent an embarrassing opener.

Late goals decide the tie

Barcelona emerged with greater urgency after the interval, with Marcus Rashford repeatedly denied by an impressive Dani Vicente in the Guadalajara goal. Andreas Christensen also tested the keeper with long-range efforts as frustration began to grow.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Frenkie de Jong delivered a pinpoint cross from a recycled corner, allowing Christensen to power a header past Vicente. The contest was settled soon after as Rashford latched onto a through-ball from Lamine Yamal, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.

Barcelona progressed, but only after being pushed far harder than the scoreline suggests.