On January 4, 2025, FC Barcelona embarks on their Copa del Rey campaign with a much-anticipated match against UD Barbastro, who are eager to spring another surprise against the illustrious Catalans. The match kicks off at 19:00 CET at the Municipal de Deportes de Barbastro, located in the picturesque Huesca province of Spain.
This clash marks the second consecutive year these teams have met at this stage of the tournament, with last year’s encounter ending narrowly with Barca edging out Barbastro 3-2. Barbastro, known for its spirited performances, eliminated both Amorebieta and Espanyol to reach this round, instilling hope among their supporters for another upset.
Coached by Hansi Flick, Barcelona enters this competition under notable pressure. The squad is facing challenges with player registrations, primarily concerning new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, who are currently unavailable. The situation has led to speculation about how Flick will structure his lineup, especially with the Supercopa de España looming just days after this match.
Barbastro, hailing from the lower divisions, has demonstrated its capability to compete at higher levels, capturing attention with their determined performances. The club, founded in 1939, typically occupies the lower tiers of Spanish football, yet is aiming to leverage the momentum generated by their recent cup successes. Since beating Espanyol, they have also managed to secure wins in their league matches, raising both form and spirits.
Stadium capacity for this match has been expanded to accommodate what is expected to be high demand, with approximately 6,000 fans anticipated. The Municipal de Deportes de Barbastro, famed for its charming regional atmosphere, will create an environment of hype for the local club as they face footballing giants.
Barcelona is expected to field a team filled with rotations. Wojciech Szczęsny may make his long-awaited debut for the club, filling the massive void left by the injured Marc-André ter Stegen. Alongside him, Ronald Araújo eyes his return to action after overcoming injury. The defensive lineup may include other hard-hitting talents, preparing Barca to encounter Barbastro's fierce attacking players.
Fans might see rotations leading up to the match, potentially allowing young talents such as Gavi and Pablo Torre the opportunity to showcase their skills. Flick, aware of the rigors of the upcoming Supercopa, is likely to rest several starters, including prolific striker Robert Lewandowski, which could see wings covered by Raphinha and Ferran Torres instead.
Despite their underdog status, Barbastro is armed with hope and ambition. Historic moments serve as inspiration, particularly last season’s near-miss against Barcelona, where they proved competitive and resilient. This memory lingers and fuels their drive to not only compete but also to deliver at their home ground during this significant encounter.
With the match approaching, excitement builds, surrounding not just the local community, but also prompting attention from afar as fans tune in to watch whether the giants will emerge victorious again or if the underdogs can carve their name in Copa del Rey history.
The stakes are high, and both teams are primed for action; for Barcelona, it’s the chance to advance and establish form, and for Barbastro, it’s the golden opportunity to shine, drawing from the narrative of underdog triumph. Nobody knows how this chapter will be written, but one thing's for sure: All eyes will be on Barbastro as they host the mighty FC Barcelona.