Barcelona begin their cup journey in a little town called Barbastro.
FC Barcelona remain the most successful team in the competition, with 31 titles won, the last one in 2021. They'll intend to go all the way once more this season, after stumbling in the Semi finals last term. Xavi's men began the year away at the Canary Islands and had to come from behind to secure all 3 points against the second best defense in the league in injury time. It was a vital victory as it keeps the catalans in the title race. But they had little time to ruminate on that performance, which had its positives and negatives. For the first time in their history, they'll have to go to Barbastro for an important clash.
UD Barbastro ply their trade in the fourth tier of Spanish football, and they haven't had a bad run this season. In fact, they haven't been defeated since November. So far, they've won their last 2 cup games by a solitary goal, their most recent victim being the bottom placed Almeria from La Liga. Now, they'll have to rally together for the biggest game in their 90 year history and try to secure a historic win. But can they, based on the difference in quality between both sides?
INTERESTING STATS
- Barcelona are record winners of the Copa del Rey having won it 31 times.
- Barbastro have made it to the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey for the first time in their 90-year-long history.
- The two teams will meet for the first time, although the hosts have met Barcelona's reserve side before.
- The hosts have seen an upturn in form recently and are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, recording four wins. They have kept clean sheets in these games as well.
- Barbastro are unbeaten in their last seven home games in all competitions, keeping six clean sheets on the trot.
- The visitors have just one win in their last five away games in all competitions. They have suffered two defeats in that period and two games have ended in draws.
- Barcelona have won five of their last six away games in the Copa del Rey.
TEAM NEWS
UD Barbastro
Naturally, they're expected to name the same team that led them to victory against Almeria in the previous round of the tournament.
Adria de Mesa is the top scorer this season (4) and the 32-year-old is set to lead the line with support from Oscar Gonpi and Hugo Bautista.
In midfield, Enrique Rausell Garcia will feature in a holding role, while Javito and Israel Garcia Moreno will look to provide support as well.
Arnau Fabrega Manas will be in goal for the fourth-tier club. Jose Val Rincon and Franc Carbonell Tarifa will feature on the flanks as the full-backs. Eduardo Mingotes PelegrÃn will pair up with Jaime Ara Sauco in the heart of the defence.
Barcelona
Xavi will have to make do without yet another key player for a little while. João Cancelo sustained an MCL sprain a few minutes into the clash vs Las Palmas and is set for a spell on the sidelines alongside Gavi, TerStegen, Alonso and Pedri. Iñigo Martinez has returned from injury and could get a few minutes ahead of the supercup semifinal.
Xavi will likely rotate the team to a considerable extent, so we may see the likes of Hector Font at RB, Fermin Lopez and Oriol Romeu. Lamine Yamal won't feature in the next 2 rounds of the competition due to the red card he got last year against Malaga when he was with the reserve team. Vitor Roque impressed in his cameo against Las Palmas and could very well lead the attack line alongside João Felix and Ferran Torres.
What time does Barbastro vs Barcelona kick-off?
Location: Barbastro, Spain
Stadium: Estadio Municipal de Deportes
Date: Sunday 7 January
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Ignacio Alonso Lopez
VAR: Not in use
It's a clash like no other for Barbastro, who will be pumped for this game. They are sure to throw everything they have against the visitors, who will be aware of the hostile surroundings and are capable of securing the ticket to the next round with little fuss, if they do what needs to be done.