FILE–Barcelona’s Polish ahead #09 Robert Lewandowski jumps for the ball throughout the Spanish league soccer match between UD Las Palmas and FC Barcelona on the Gran Canaria stadium in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on January 4, 2024. (Picture by DESIREE MARTIN / AFP)
Barcelona reached the final 16 of the Copa del Rey however got a scare by fourth-tier Barbastro in an entertaining 3-2 win on Sunday.
The file 31-time winners took a two-goal lead by Fermin Lopez and Raphinha, earlier than Adria de Mesa pulled one again for the hard-working hosts.
Substitute Robert Lewandowski netted from the spot for the Spanish champions however Marc Prat smashed in a late penalty for the hosts, who refused to surrender.
“We’re letting in loads of targets, it’s one thing that we’ve got to enhance on,” Lopez instructed Movistar.
“Within the first half we have been good however then we let in two targets.”
Barcelona took the lead early on when Frenkie de Jong chipped a ball excessive for Raphinha and Lopez arrived within the field on the excellent second to tuck away the Brazilian’s low cut-back.
Joao Felix headed within the second from a Lopez cross however was left fuming when it was disallowed for offside.
Replays indicated the ahead was not in an unlawful place, however video evaluations aren’t used within the Copa del Rey till the final 16.
Barbastro goalkeeper Arnau Fabrega saved free-kicks from Felix and Raphinha because the guests dominated as anticipated on the 5,000 seater stadium.
Raphinha doubled Barcelona’s lead from shut vary early within the second half after younger defender Hector Fort whipped in a deep, swirling cross to him on the again submit.
Former Barca youth participant De Mesa pulled Barbastro again into the sport simply earlier than the hour mark, prodding house from shut vary throughout a scramble within the field from a nook.
Xavi reacted by sending on 18-year-old Brazil striker Vitor Roque, lately arrived from Athletico Paranaense, in addition to defender Inigo Martinez.
The Basque central defender solely lasted a couple of minutes earlier than limping off once more, having solely simply recovered from a hamstring drawback.
Remarkably the hosts might have levelled however Jaime Ara headed badly off course when well-placed to attain.
Ferran Torres was simply as responsible on the different finish, unable to capitalize when despatched by, however Barbastro handed Lewandowski the prospect to revive his workforce’s lead from the spot.
Javi Lopez dealt with the Polish ahead’s header and he despatched the goalkeeper the fallacious manner, gently rolling the ball into the opposite nook.
Barbastro pulled one other objective again in stoppage time when Marc Prat smashed house a penalty following a foul by Lopez, however couldn’t discover one other to drive additional time.
Barcelona joined Actual Madrid and Atletico within the subsequent spherical, after the capital golf equipment progressed on Saturday.
Villarreal’s tie at Unionistas de Salamanca on Sunday was deserted at the beginning of additional time due to lighting points which left the stadium at nighttime.
The third-tier aspect had pegged their La Liga guests again within the closing phases to degree the rating at 1-1 after 90 minutes within the spherical of 32 conflict, in entrance of almost 6,000 followers.
The Spanish soccer federation mentioned in a press release the match was postponed “due to an issue that occurred relating to the lighting of the Reina Sofia stadium”.
Sevilla wanted a late Juanlu Sanchez strike to see off second-division Racing Ferrol 2-1 and attain the final 16, together with Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Mallorca, Actual Sociedad and Celta Vigo, who additionally beat decrease league opponents.
Valencia triumphed in extra-time in opposition to second-division aspect Cartagena, who performed the second half with 10 males after Ivan Calero was dismissed earlier than the break.
Jose Gaya grabbed the winner within the 106th minute to ship Ruben Baraja’s workforce by.
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The final 16 draw takes place Monday.