Domestic cup competitions are increasingly facing criticism and calls for abolition due to overcrowded schedules. However, few critics consider the emotions of fans from lower-tier clubs. The charm of such tournaments was beautifully illustrated today in the small town of Barbastro. This ancient Celtic village of about 14,000 residents hosted the mighty Barcelona in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, with added intrigue as Hansi Flick fielded a remarkably strong lineup, demonstrating respect for the fourth-division underdogs. The result, of course, was predictable regardless of Barcelona’s lineup. Still, Barbastro will forever boast about hosting the Catalan giants and conceding only a 0-4 defeat in early 2025, with two goals scored by one of the greatest strikers of all time, Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward treated the game with full professionalism, adding to his incredible tally of 677 career goals in senior football (593 for clubs and 84 for the national team). Alongside Lewandowski, Eric García and Pablo Torre also found the net for Barcelona.🎥 FC Barcelona Goal⚽️ Eric Garcia pic.twitter.com/VrvB2pYhcM— Barça Spaces (@BarcaSpaces) January 4, 2025 Fans flocked to secure tickets to witness the five-time European champions and the most successful team in Copa del Rey history. Hansi Flick opted for a starting XI comprising about half of his usual starters, complemented by players with less playing time. Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Jules Koundé, Fermín López, and Ronald Araújo were among those in the lineup, while a recovering Lamine Yamal was rested ahead of Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Bilbao on January 8 in Saudi Arabia. Barbastro managed to hold off Barcelona until the 21st minute when Eric García headed in from close range, dampening the euphoric atmosphere in the stands. Lewandowski doubled the lead ten minutes later, signaling Barcelona’s comfortable victory. In the second half, the Catalans eased up but added two more goals, settling for a dominant yet measured 4-0 win. 🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski has now played 120 games for Barcelona:👕 120 games⚽️ 84 goals 🎯 19 assistsWow! 😳 pic.twitter.com/NXzjJSsqfL— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) January 4, 2025 This match will also be remembered in Barcelona’s history books for Toni Fernández, who became the second-youngest player to debut for the club. The La Masia graduate entered the game in the 81st minute, placing him just behind Lamine Yamal in the record books. Barcelona, fresh off their spectacle in Barbastro, is now heading to the Middle East for the Spanish Super Cup, which will be held there for the fifth consecutive year. In the semifinals, Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao, while the other matchup pits Mallorca against Real Madrid. This tournament, now a staple in Spanish football’s calendar, offers a high-stakes clash between two of Spain’s most storied clubs in the first semifinal and a potential underdog story in the second. The winners will advance to the final, aiming to claim the first piece of silverware for 2025.COPA DEL REY – ROUND OF 32SaturdayHuesca – Betis 0-1 (0-1)/Isco 38/Tenerife – Osasuna 1-2 (1-2)/Leon 45 – Herrardo 7, Leon 25(og)/Almeria – Sevilla 4-1 (0-1)/Milovanovic 49, Suarez 54, 78, 90+6(p) – Romero 5/Barbastro – Barcelona 0-4 (0-2)/Garcia 21, Lewandowski 31, 47, Torre 56/23.30: (11.00) Marbella (6.25) Atl.Madrid (1.20)23.30: (8.00) Logrones (4.40) Ath.Bilbao (1.47)Sunday14.00: (2.45) Elche (3.05) Las Palmas (2.90)14.00: (4.00) Ourense (3.30) Valladolid (1.90)17.30: (4.00) Cartagena (3.25) Leganes (1.90)17.30: (6.50) Ponferradina (3.80) Sociedad (1.50)17.30: (3.60) Santander (3.40) Celta (1.95)Monday21.00: (16.00) Dep.Minera (9.00) Real Madrid (1.10)Tuesday23.00: (3.90) Eldense (3.35) Valencia (1.90)***odds are subject to change***
