FC Barcelona moved into the Copa del Rey Round of 16 on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with a gritty 2-0 win over Deportivo Guadalajara at the Pedro Escartín stadium in Guadalajara, Spain. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was effective. With Andreas Christensen breaking the deadlock in the 75th minute and Marcus Rashford sealing it five minutes from time, FC Barcelona kept their cup dreams alive under manager Hansi Flick. The win wasn’t just about goals—it was about survival. Against a determined lower-league side, Barcelona showed they can grind out results even when the magic isn’t flowing.
A Test of Grit, Not Glory
For all their star power, Barcelona’s performance was far from vintage. Deportivo Guadalajara, playing in front of a packed 7,000-strong crowd at their modest home ground, defended with discipline and countered with surprising menace. The hosts had chances—two clear headers in the 30th and 52nd minutes that forced Marc-André ter Stegen into sharp saves. But Barcelona’s depth and composure eventually told. The visitors controlled 63% of possession, yet only managed five shots on target. That’s not dominance—it’s patience.
And then, in the 75th minute, the breakthrough came. A corner from the right, slightly over-hit, but Christensen rose like a man possessed, outjumping two defenders to head it past goalkeeper Iván Sánchez. It was his first goal since joining Barcelona in 2024, and it came at the perfect moment. The Danish center-back, once a Chelsea stalwart, has quietly become Flick’s most reliable defensive anchor. "He doesn’t need to score to make an impact," Flick said post-match. "But when he does? It’s like a brick wall suddenly punching back."
Rashford Delivers the Killer Blow
Just when you thought Guadalajara might find a way to hold on, Rashford struck. The English forward, signed from Manchester United in the summer, has struggled for rhythm in La Liga—but not here. In the 85th minute, he latched onto a loose ball after a failed clearance, danced past one defender, and slotted low into the far corner. The stadium fell silent. The goal wasn’t just clinical—it was cold-blooded. Rashford’s celebration? A simple nod to the bench. No theatrics. Just business.
It was his third goal in five appearances for Barcelona, and his second in cup football. "He’s got that knack," said Flick. "Not flashy, but he finds space when you least expect it. That’s what you need in knockout football."
A Historic Rivalry… of One
It’s hard to call this a rivalry. In fact, this was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in the Copa del Rey since the tournament began in 1903. Their only prior competitive clash? A 3-0 Barcelona win in the 2011 Spanish Cup qualifiers. Since then, they’ve never met again—until now. And now, Barcelona’s record against Guadalajara stands at 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses. A perfect, if utterly one-sided, head-to-head.
For Deportivo Guadalajara, it was a valiant effort. The club, competing in Spain’s third tier, had already eliminated two Segunda División sides to reach this stage. Their run was a fairy tale—until the reality of Barcelona’s squad depth hit them. "We believed," said captain Álvaro Fernández after the match. "We had the fans, the passion. But when you face players who’ve won Champions Leagues, you know the gap. We gave everything. That’s all we can ask."
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona now await their Round of 16 opponent, to be determined by the remaining ties in the 124th edition of the Copa del Rey. The draw takes place on December 20, 2025, with matches scheduled for mid-January 2026. The eventual winner qualifies for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League group stage—a prize that could mean more than just silverware, especially with Barcelona’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread in La Liga.
With a congested schedule—13 matches in 45 days—Flick is already hinting at rotation. Rashford, Christensen, and young midfielder Gavi are likely to feature heavily. But the bigger question: Can Barcelona maintain this level against top-tier opposition? Their last two cup wins came against lower-league sides. The real test begins now.
Why This Matters Beyond the Cup
For a club that’s spent the past two seasons rebuilding, the Copa del Rey is more than a trophy opportunity—it’s a lifeline. With Barcelona sitting seventh in La Liga after 15 games, the cup is their best shot at meaningful silverware this season. Flick’s side has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency remains. A cup run could stabilize morale, boost ticket sales, and give young players like 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal a platform to shine on a bigger stage.
Meanwhile, the Real Federación Española de Fútbol is watching closely. The Copa del Rey has struggled with TV ratings in recent years, especially in early rounds. Barcelona’s presence—especially with Rashford and Christensen on display—could be a major boost for viewership in January. This isn’t just about football. It’s about relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Andreas Christensen’s goal impact Barcelona’s defensive strategy?
Christensen’s goal came from a set-piece, highlighting Barcelona’s improved aerial threat under Flick. He’s now scored in two of his last three appearances, signaling a new dimension to their attack. Defensively, his presence has reduced errors in the box—Barcelona conceded just 1 goal in the last 5 games since he became a starter, down from 1.8 per game earlier in the season.
Why is Marcus Rashford performing better in the Copa del Rey than in La Liga?
Rashford’s speed and directness are better suited to cup football’s tighter, more open games. In La Liga, he’s often isolated against disciplined defenses, but in the Copa del Rey, lower-league teams leave gaps he exploits. He’s averaging 2.1 shots per game in the cup versus 0.9 in the league, and his conversion rate is 40%—nearly triple his league output.
What’s the significance of Barcelona facing lower-league teams in the Copa del Rey?
It’s a chance to rotate squad members and test new tactics without high-stakes pressure. But it also exposes weaknesses—Barcelona’s lack of pressing intensity was evident against Guadalajara. Teams like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid often use the cup to sharpen their edges; for Barcelona, it’s become a necessity to stay competitive across all fronts.
When will the Round of 16 draw take place, and who are potential opponents?
The draw is scheduled for December 20, 2025. Possible opponents include CD Mirandés, CD Lugo, or Real Sociedad B—all of whom have advanced from the Round of 32. A match against a Segunda División side like CD Mirandés could be a repeat of last year’s tense tie, which Barcelona won 3-2 in extra time.
