Barcelona will start their 2024-25 Copa Del Rey campaign by facing fourth-tier side Barbastro on January 4, as they take a break from La Liga’s title race.
Barça’s recent form
Barcelona ended 2024 with a mixed run of performances. Barcelona started the season with an electrifying start, setting the tone as serious contenders domestically and in Europe.
In October, Barcelona faced the most challenging week of the season, facing Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Bayern one after the other. Barcelona was successful in all 3 games, marking them as unstoppable.
Barcelona faced a dip in form during the end of November and the start of December, these months were ones to forget for the Barcelona fans. Barcelona only managed to win one La Liga game out of seven, squandering a nine-point lead over Real Madrid to end the year in third place. This period had Barcelona fans thinking, after three consecutive home defeats to Las Palmas, Leganes, and Atletico Madrid, losing their star Lamine Yamal.
Barbastro vs. Barcelona
Barbastro knocked out La Liga side Espanyol in the previous round to reach the Round of 32 for the second consecutive season.
Barcelona on the other hand, have struggled in their previous recent Copa Del Rey campaigns. Barcelona were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage last season, and they have not reached the final since winning the title in 2021.
The Expected Lineups
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Fort, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde — Casado, De Jong, Pedri — Torre, Torres, Fermin. Barcelona won’t be risking the return of Lamine Yamal and will bring him back during the Super Cup campaign. Flick will be looking to make big changes in the second half and will make rotation to the starting XI giving opportunity to youngsters. This game could also mark Fati and Araujo’s return from injury.
Barbastro predicted lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Manas (GK) — Garcia, Arroyo, Funes — Jimenez, Javito, Sauco, Barrera — Arrillaga, Serrano, Gomez. Barbastro has neither injuries nor any suspensions and will be looking to give their all against the Catalan Giants.
Szczęsny Set To Make His Barca Debut
Szczęsny’s debut will be a fresh test for him. His performance tomorrow will decide his role with Barcelona and may be used in future games. Flick has finally handed him an opportunity, now the ball is in Szczęsny’s to prove himself and make a good return from retirement.
