MADRID – In a dramatic turn of events, Barcelona managed to secure a 2-0 victory against third-division side Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey’s round of 32, thanks to late strikes from Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford. The match, held on Tuesday, was not without its hiccups, as kick-off was delayed due to safety concerns regarding the stadium’s temporary grandstand.

The start of the game at the Pedro Escartín stadium, located in Guadalajara near Madrid, was postponed by 30 minutes. This delay was caused by local authorities’ initial refusal to allow fans onto the newly constructed grandstand. The stadium, which expanded its capacity from nearly 6,000 to about 8,000 with the addition, faced long queues of fans outside until police finally granted entry.

Once the game commenced, Barcelona dominated possession but found it challenging to break down the resolute defense of their lower-league opponents. Despite controlling the match, clear scoring opportunities were few and far between for the Catalan giants.

The breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Andreas Christensen found the back of the net. Connecting with a cross from Frenkie De Jong, Christensen’s header took a fortunate deflection off a defender before nestling into the goal, finally putting Barcelona ahead.

Christensen finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a header off a cross by Frenkie De Jong. Christensen’s header deflected off a defender before hitting the net.

The hosts had a few opportunities to equalize but couldn’t capitalize, and Rashford sealed the victory on a breakaway in the 90th.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rested some of the team’s regular starters ahead of Spanish league leader’s visit to third-place Villarreal on Sunday.

Other results

In the upset of the night, second-division Deportivo La Coruna eliminated top-flight Mallorca 1-0.

The other first-division clubs advanced. Real Sociedad defeated Eldense 2-1 with a winner deep into stoppage time, while Valencia beat Sporting Gijon 2-0.

On Wednesday, Real Madrid visits third-division club Talavera, while Atletico Madrid is at fourth-tier team Atletico Baleares.

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