After scoring five goals against third-tier Ceuta on Thursday, Barcelona easily advanced to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. At Estadio Alfonso Murube, the Blaugrana got off to a sluggish start but eventually had minimal problems securing a spot in the last eight.
Raphinha had given the visitors the lead before halftime, but Robert Lewandowski struck twice in the second half, one on either side of goals from Ansu Fati and Franck Kessie, to ensure that Barca's advancement was simple enough.
After defeating Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espaa, LaLiga leaders Barcelona are still very much in contention for a domestic clean sweep. Despite fielding a team full of elite talent, Barca did not dominate the first half as much as could have been anticipated.
Despite having a massive 69.8% of the possession, the visitors had trouble creating clear-cut opportunities. Raphinha's curling shot past Tomas Mejias four minutes before halftime was an instance of individual brilliance that freed their opponents.
Five minutes after the break, Kessie intercepted an errant ball deep in Ceuta territory, giving Lewandowski an open opportunity to increase Barca's lead.
With a deft touch, Fati made a strong solo move into the box into a 3-0 lead for Barcelona, and seven minutes later, Kessie converted from supplier to scorer by heading in a cross from Raphinha. After Kessie, Fati, and Jordi Alba had come close, Lewandowski scored his second in the 90th minute, shooting low into the corner to complete an impressive victory.
BARCA MOVE FORWARD IN STYLE
Even if they struggled to score early on, Barca were never expected to be in danger of pulling off a massive upset against the lowest-ranked team still in the Copa del Rey.
Even though their five-goal margin of victory was somewhat unfair to their hosts—whom Barca had previously defeated in three games—it is still a commendable display of their abilities as they carry on Xavi's team's recovery.
ALARCON IS A DIFFERENT FACE.
It's often a good idea to test out young players in cup matches against lower-league opponents, and Barcelona did just that by giving teenager Angel Alarcon his professional debut.
The Spain youth international missed the entire 2021–22 season due to an ACL tear but made his senior debut toward the end of the season to replace Raphinha, who together with Kessie and Alba led Barcelona in chances created (three each).
KEY TO SUCCESS FOR KESSIE
The Ivory Coast international set up Raphinha's first goal during a first half that was devoid of opportunities before taking over for Barca.
He scored one goal himself, contributed two assists, and took a game-high four shots. He was key to this victory.
blogpay
