December 17, (THEWILL) — Barcelona progressed to the Copa del Rey round of 16 after defeating third-tier Guadalajara 2-0, with Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford finding the net in the closing stages. The visitors struggled for long periods against determined lower-league opposition before claiming victory through two late strikes.
Guadalajara goalkeeper, Dani Vicente, nearly gifted the opening goal just six minutes in when he fumbled Eric Garcia’s long-range strike on the line, scrambling to prevent the ball from crossing. Barcelona found it difficult to penetrate their opponents’ defence throughout the first 45 minutes, with efforts from Christensen and Fermin Lopez dealt with comfortably.
The tempo improved after the interval when Rashford tested Vicente twice in quick succession, first forcing a smart save after combining with Roony Bardghji, then seeing another attempt smothered moments later. Fermin sent an acrobatic effort narrowly wide under pressure before the breakthrough finally arrived.
Christensen opened the scoring in the 76th minute, meeting Frenkie de Jong’s delivery at the far post with a header that deflected heavily off Julio Martinez before crossing the line. Guadalajara responded immediately, with Salifo Caropitche Mendes forcing Marc-Andre ter Stegen into an outstanding save from distance.
Rashford wrapped up the tie in the 90th minute, rounding Vicente before slotting into an empty net to confirm Barcelona’s place in the next round. The late goals spared the visitors from an uncomfortable evening against opponents two divisions below them.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
