Guadalajara vs Barcelona: Late Show by Christensen and Rashford Seals Copa del Rey Progress
Introduction: The Magic of the Copa del Rey
The beauty of the Copa del Rey lies in its ability to pit global superstars against local heroes. On Tuesday night, December 16, 2025, the Estadio Pedro Escartín became the center of the Spanish football world as third-tier CD Guadalajara welcomed the most successful club in the competition’s history, FC Barcelona.
What was expected to be a routine win for the Catalan giants turned into a 76-minute test of patience, grit, and tactical discipline. Ultimately, the superior fitness and depth of Hansi Flick’s side prevailed, with Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford scoring late to secure a 2-0 victory. This article breaks down every aspect of the match, from the pre-game drama to the tactical masterclass that saw Barcelona through to the Round of 16.
Pre-Match Drama: Stadium Safety and Delayed Kick-Off-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
Before a ball was even kicked, the fixture faced significant hurdles. The Estadio Pedro Escartín saw its capacity increased from 6,000 to 8,000 via a newly constructed temporary grandstand. However, just hours before kick-off, local authorities flagged safety concerns regarding the structure.
This led to a 30-minute delay, with thousands of fans waiting in long lines outside. Eventually, the stand was cleared for use, creating an intimidating and packed atmosphere that seemed to fuel the home side’s early energy. For Guadalajara, a club in Spain’s third division, this was more than a game—it was a historic event.
The Tactical Setup: Hansi Flick’s Rotations-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
With a top-of-the-table La Liga clash against Villarreal looming on Sunday, Hansi Flick utilized his squad’s depth. However, the starting XI still carried immense quality:-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
- The Return of the Captain: Marc-André ter Stegen made his first start in 212 days after a long recovery from back surgery.
- The Century Man: 18-year-old Pau Cubarsí reached a staggering milestone, making his 100th appearance for Barcelona.
- The New ‘No. 9’: With Robert Lewandowski rested, Marcus Rashford led the line, flanked by Fermín López and the young Roony Bardghji.
Guadalajara, coached by Pere Martí, set up in a disciplined 5-4-1 formation, designed specifically to suffocate Barcelona’s creative passing lanes.
First Half: Frustration for the Blaugrana-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
Barcelona started with their trademark dominance, controlling over 80% of the possession. However, Guadalajara’s “low block” was nearly impenetrable.
In the 6th minute, Eric García almost caught goalkeeper Dani Vicente off guard with a speculative long-range effort that was tipped over the bar. Throughout the half, Lamine Yamal—operating in a central attacking midfield role—tried to unlock the defense with his signature vision, but the final ball often lacked the necessary precision.
Guadalajara’s captain, Javier Ablanque, was a titan in the heart of the defense, winning crucial aerial duels against Rashford and Fermín. As the halftime whistle blew with the score at 0-0, the home fans dared to dream of the greatest upset in the club’s history.
Second Half: The Impact of Substitutions-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
Sensing the game was slipping away, Hansi Flick made decisive changes early in the second half. He introduced regular starters like Pedri, Alejandro Balde, and Jules Koundé. These changes shifted the momentum.
The rhythm of the game increased significantly. Barcelona moved the ball from wing to wing, forcing the Guadalajara defenders to cover more ground. By the 70th minute, fatigue began to set in for the third-tier side.
76th Minute: The Breakthrough-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
The goal finally came from a set-piece. Frenkie de Jong, who dictated the tempo all night, whipped in a magnificent cross following a corner. Andreas Christensen timed his run perfectly, meeting the ball with a powerful header that deflected off Guadalajara’s Julio Martínez and into the top corner. It was a goal born of persistence, breaking the hearts of the Guadalajara faithful.
The Ter Stegen Save-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
Guadalajara didn’t crumble. Minutes after the opener, Salifo Caropitche unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards out. Ter Stegen showed no signs of rust, producing a spectacular fingertip save to preserve the lead. It was a crucial moment that reminded the world why he remains the undisputed number one.
90th Minute: Rashford Puts It Beyond Doubt-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
As the match entered stoppage time, Guadalajara threw everyone forward in search of an equalizer. This left them exposed to the counter-attack—exactly what Barcelona wanted.
Lamine Yamal picked up the ball in his own half and played a sublime, defense-splitting through-ball into the path of Marcus Rashford. The English forward used his blistering pace to outrun the last defender, showed ice-cold composure to round the goalkeeper, and tapped into an empty net. 2-0. Game over.
Match Statistics at a Glance-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
| Statistic | CD Guadalajara | FC Barcelona |
| Final Score | 0 | 2 |
| Possession | 17% | 83% |
| Total Shots | 5 | 22 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 8 |
| Pass Accuracy | 62% | 91% |
| Corners | 1 | 6 |
Key Performers-Guadalajara vs Barcelona
- Frenkie de Jong (9.0/10): The Dutchman was the engine of the team. With a 94% pass accuracy and the assist for the opening goal, he was the clear Man of the Match.
- Andreas Christensen (8.5/10): Solid at the back and clinical in the box. His header was the turning point of the night.
- Marcus Rashford (8.0/10): Despite being frustrated for 89 minutes, his work rate never dropped, and his finish was a lesson in clinical striking.
- Dani Vicente (7.5/10): The Guadalajara goalkeeper kept his team in the game with several heroic saves in the first half.
What’s Next for FC Barcelona?
Having successfully avoided a “banana skin” fixture, Barcelona moves into the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Their attention now shifts immediately back to La Liga. Currently sitting at the top of the table, they face a massive test away at Villarreal this Sunday.
Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with the team’s professional approach:
“These matches are never easy. Guadalajara played with immense heart. We had to be patient, keep the ball moving, and trust that our quality would eventually find a way.”
Conclusion: A Night of Pride and Progression
The clash between Guadalajara and Barcelona was a testament to the magic of cup football. While Barcelona takes the ticket to the next round, Guadalajara takes the respect of the nation. For Flick, the return of Ter Stegen and the continued goal-scoring form of Rashford are massive boosts as the season enters its most demanding period.
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