Sport|FootballBarcelona beat Guadalajara in Copa del Rey fourth roundA 90th minute goal by Marcus Rashford ensured defending champions Barcelona held off Copa del Rey minnows Guadalajara.
## Sports Update: Copa del Rey Progression
Sports Update: Copa del Rey Progression
On Tue, Dec 16, 2025, Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Guadalajara, advancing to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. Goals by Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford were instrumental in overcoming the opposition.
Barcelona dominated possession at the Pedro Escartin stadium but faced challenges breaking down Guadalajara's well-organized defense. Despite holding over 80% of possession, the team struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against the third-tier side.
The home team threatened on the counterattack, consistently testing Barcelona's defensive resilience. Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, made strategic substitutions in the second half, introducing key players such as Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, and Pedri to alter the dynamics of the game.
On Tue, Dec 16, 2025, Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Guadalajara, advancing to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when Frenkie de Jong's cross found Andreas Christensen, whose header deflected off an opponent before reaching the net. Subsequently, Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a critical save to maintain the lead.
In the closing moments, Lamine Yamal assisted Marcus Rashford, who skillfully maneuvered past the goalkeeper to secure the win with a second goal.
Cubarsi commented post-match, "In the second half, we increased our tempo and movement, which ultimately tired out the opposition. They performed exceptionally well."
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.