Late Drama: Christensen and Rashford Seal Barcelona's Tense Copa del Rey Win Over Guadalajara

Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over third-division side Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on December 16, 2025, advancing to the last 16 despite a challenging match at Pedro Escartín stadium.[1][3]

The game faced an unexpected delay of 30 minutes before kickoff due to safety issues with the stadium's newly built temporary grandstand, as local authorities initially barred fans from accessing it.[1]

Barcelona dominated possession with over 80% but struggled against Guadalajara's disciplined five-man defense throughout the first half, failing to create clear chances while the hosts threatened on counter-attacks.[3]

Guadalajara's goalkeeper Vicente was standout, denying Marcus Rashford twice early in the second half, including a point-blank save.[1]

Coach Hansi Flick introduced key substitutes like Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde, Jules Koundé, and Pedri to spark a breakthrough, which came in the 76th minute when Frenkie de Jong delivered a precise cross from a corner, allowing Andreas Christensen to head home powerfully, with the ball deflecting off Julio Martínez.[1][3]

Marc-André ter Stegen, in his first Barcelona appearance since May, preserved the lead with a superb save on Salifo Caropitche's long-range strike shortly after.[3]

The match was sealed in the dying moments as Lamine Yamal threaded a perfect through-ball to Rashford, who composed himself to wrong-foot Vicente and tap into an empty net.[3]

This win keeps Barcelona's Copa del Rey campaign alive amid a busy schedule, with Flick's squad showing resilience against lower-league opposition.[2]