Barbastro vs Barcelona

Barcelona’s pursuit of a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title commences at Campo Municipal de Deportes Barbastro against lower-league Barbastro.

After a 4-0 thrashing of Amorebieta in the opening Copa del Rey round, fourth-tier Barbastro punched above their weight to beat La Liga side Espanyol 2-0 last time out. Another victory against Espanyol’s fellow Catalan rivals Barcelona would be the most significant result in club history. Barbastro nearly pulled off an upset when the two sides met in last season’s Copa del Rey last-16 but eventually succumbed to an admirable 3-2 defeat. An ongoing four-match unbeaten streak in all competitions (W3, D1) could encourage Dani Martinez’s side to pursue an unlikely triumph. Adding to Barbastro’s confidence, they’ve won their last three home outings via an identical 2-0 scoreline.

However, anything other than Barcelona’s clear-cut victory would be a catastrophe of epic proportions, especially after they lost their grip on La Liga’s summit. Indeed, a 2-1 home loss to Atletico Madrid in their last league match demoted Barca to third. After an outstanding start under new boss Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s form has plummeted as they head into proceedings having failed to win their last three domestic fixtures (D1, L2), including a shock 1-0 home defeat to top-flight newcomers Leganes. If it’s any consolation, ‘Los Blaugranas’ have alternated between victories (2) and draws (2) across their last four away matches, netting 2+ goals on each occasion.