Guadalajara vs Barcelona: Rashford and ex-Chelsea star help Blaugrana reach Copa del Rey Round of 16

On a chilly night at the modest Estadio Pedro Escartín, Copa del Rey holders Barcelona were made to work harder than expected by tenacious Guadalajara before second-half interventions from Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford.

Barcelona controlled the early phases, forcing Guadalajara deep into their half, but clear openings were at a premium in the first half. 

Eric García tested the hosts’ keeper inside six minutes, and Andreas Christensen had a long-range strike saved, yet neither yielded the breakthrough before the first-half break. 

After the break, Barcelona continued to dominate possession but still struggled to unlock their stubborn opponents. Substitutions around the hour mark, including fresh legs through Pedri and Jules Koundé, eventually paid dividends. 

In the 76th minute, a well-worked set-piece routine saw Frenkie de Jong deliver a cross into the box, and Andreas Christensen rose above his marker to head home.

Guadalajara almost responded instantly, forcing a superb save from Marc-André ter Stegen to keep the visitors in front. With time winding down and the hosts chasing an equaliser, Barcelona struck again in stoppage time. 

Lamine Yamal orchestrated the move down the right and slipped a slick pass to Marcus Rashford, who rounded the keeper and finished with composure to make it 2–0, sealing the tie.

The win sends Barcelona comfortably into the Round of 16, boosting their chances of defending their Copa del Rey title.