GUADALAJARA, SPAIN — Barcelona secured a 0-2 victory over CD Guadalajara to advance to the Copa del Rey round of 16, though the scoreline flattered the visitors who struggled to break down determined lower-league opposition until the final quarter-hour. The Catalan giants dominated the ball with 82.6% possession, pinning CD Guadalajara back for long stretches, but found the hosts' goalkeeper in inspired form throughout a frustrating evening at Pedro Escartín.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Andreas Christensen rose majestically to meet Frenkie de Jong's pinpoint cross following a corner, powering his header from the centre of the box to the top left corner beyond the reach of Dani Vicente. The Danish defender's clinical finish rewarded Barcelona's relentless pressure and their dominance from set pieces, having won 9 corners throughout the match. The insurance goal came deep into stoppage time when Marcus Rashford produced a moment of individual brilliance, rifling a left-footed shot from a difficult angle on the left to the top right corner in the 90th minute. Lamine Yamal's incisive through ball following a fast break released the English forward, who made no mistake with a stunning finish that sealed the tie.
CD Guadalajara's resistance was built on heroic goalkeeping and disciplined defending. Dani Vicente was kept busy throughout, making 7 saves to frustrate Barcelona's attacking stars. The home goalkeeper denied Marcus Rashford twice in quick succession early in the second half, first parrying away a close-range effort in the 48th minute, then producing another fine stop from the left side of the box just moments later. Frenkie de Jong orchestrated Barcelona's midfield dominance, while Lamine Yamal tormented the Guadalajara defence with his direct running down the right flank. Pau Cubarsí and Eric García marshalled Barcelona's backline comfortably, rarely tested by the hosts' limited attacking threat.
Barcelona launched 21 shots at goal compared to CD Guadalajara's 6, with 9 of those efforts forcing Vicente into action. The visitors' clinical edge proved the difference, converting two of their opportunities when it mattered most. The match turned physical at times, with 11 fouls committed by the hosts and 3 yellow cards shown to Guadalajara players, including bookings for Samu Mayo and Ablanque. Barcelona's Fermín López and Roony Bardghji both squandered presentable chances, with the former heading wide from close range in the 89th minute.
The turning point came with Barcelona's tactical adjustments in the final quarter. Manager Hansi Flick introduced fresh legs, bringing on Pedri and Jules Koundé in the 75th minute to inject renewed energy into Barcelona's attack. The substitutions immediately paid dividends, with the increased tempo overwhelming Guadalajara's tiring defenders and creating the space for Christensen's opener just moments later.
Looking ahead, Barcelona travel to face Villareal on December 21.