Guadalajara 0-2 Barcelona: Hansi Flick’s side progress to the Copa del Rey last 16
Barcelona were forced to wait for a breakthrough before seeing off third-tier Guadalajara 2-0 on Tuesday night, with late goals from Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford securing progress to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
Hansi Flick’s side dominated the ball but found chances hard to come by against an organised Guadalajara side that defended deep and looked to counter. Early on the hosts tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a surprise start ahead of second choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
“For me, Marc is the captain and also he is 12 years around about in the club,” Flick said. “He had the opportunity to play and I think it’s a good next step for him.”
Barcelona’s coach also praised his team’s approach despite their lack of fluency and inability to break down Guadalajara for over an hour.
“I was happy with the attitude we showed today,” Flick said. “When you play these Copa games, it’s not easy because they defend really good. But at the end, the most important thing is the attitude and mentality we showed on the pitch.”
Barcelona improved in the second half, especially after Flick introduced Alejandro Balde, Pedri, Jules Kounde. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Frenkie de Jong delivered a cross from the right and Christensen rose to head past Vicente.
Moments later, Ter Stegen was tested again almost immediately but made a sharp save to deny Salifo Caropitche. The contest was settled just before stoppage time when Lamine Yamal played Rashford in and the forward rounded the goalkeeper to score.
