Marcus Rashford scored late as Barcelona beat minnows Guadalajara 2-0 to reach the Copa del Rey last 16 after a patient display against stubborn hosts.
Marcus Rashford scored late as Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey last 16 with a 2-0 win over minnows Guadalajara. The holders were pushed hard by third tier opposition at Estadio Pedro Escartin. Barcelona dominated possession but lacked sharpness for long periods.
Hansi Flick made eight changes from the side that beat Osasuna in La Liga. The reshuffle disrupted rhythm and fluency in the final third. Guadalajara stayed compact and disciplined throughout the opening half.
Barcelona nearly scored inside six minutes when Eric Garcia tried an audacious effort from distance. Guadalajara goalkeeper Dani Vicente reacted sharply to keep the ball out. That chance set the tone for a one sided but stubborn contest.
Despite enjoying more than 85 percent possession, Barcelona failed to break through before the break. Rashford and Lamine Yamal were closely marked and rarely found space. Guadalajara threatened on the counter, managing three first half shots, but lacked precision in key moments.
The pressure finally told in the 76th minute after a sustained spell in the final third. Andreas Christensen rose highest to head in Frenkie de Jong’s cross. The goal came from Barcelona’s 19th attempt of the night. Guadalajara tried to respond and showed renewed belief after falling behind but they barely troubled Marc Andre ter Stegen’s goal. Barcelona continued to control the ball but avoided unnecessary risks as the protected the lead.
Rashford sealed the win in the 90th minute with a composed finish. He latched onto a pass from Yamal and rounded the goalkeeper before scoring. The goal rewarded his persistence after a quiet evening.
The England forward had earlier missed a clear chance early in the second half. His late strike ensured there was no late drama. Barcelona closed out the match calmly in stoppage time.
Barcelona finished with over 20 shots and nine on target. Guadalajara managed limited efforts but defended bravely. Christensen scored his first goal of the season.
Rashford’s goal was his seventh in all competitions since joining on loan. Barcelona kept a clean sheet as the holders avoided an early exit from the competition.
Christensen’s goal changed the mood and forced Guadalajara to open up. De Jong controlled midfield and provided the decisive assist. Rashford showed composure when it mattered most.
Vicente impressed in goal for the hosts with several fine saves. Guadalajara earned credit for organisation and work rate. Yamal struggled to influence the game under close attention.
Barcelona will discover their last 16 opponents in the next Copa del Rey draw. For now, they remain on course to defend the trophy they won last season. The club has lifted the cup a record 32 times. Attention now turns back to La Liga action this weekend. Barcelona travel to Villarreal on Sunday as the title race continues. Flick is expected to rotate again with fixtures piling up.
