Barcelona faced an unexpectedly tough challenge to secure their spot in the Copa del Rey round of 16 against fourth-tier side Barbastro on Sunday evening.
Barca initially took a comfortable 2-0 lead with goals from Fermin Lopez and Raphinha. However, Barbastro’s Adria de Mesa narrowed the gap to 2-1, and Isreal Garcia came close to equalizing for the home side.
Late penalties, converted by Robert Lewandowski and Marc Prat, sealed a narrow 3-2 victory for Xavi Hernandez’s side, allowing them to progress to the next round with a bit of embarrassment.
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In the first half, Fermin Lopez opened the scoring by slotting home a low cross from Raphinha. A disallowed goal for offside followed, with Jaoa Felix’s first-time half-volley being ruled out.
Surprisingly, Barbastro created a notable chance early in the second half but failed to make it 1-1. Gonpi’s effort was comfortably saved by Barca’s goalkeeper, Inaki Pena.
Barcelona then extended their lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute when Raphinha converted a cross from Hector Fort. Barbastro responded with a goal from Adria de Mesa, capitalizing on a set-piece delivery from Gonpi.
As Barbastro pressed for an equalizer, Isreal Garcia narrowly missed a headed opportunity late in the game. Barcelona finally secured the win in the 87th minute when Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty after a handball.
Despite a late chance for debutant Vitor Roque, Barcelona couldn’t extend their lead. In added time, Barbastro was awarded a penalty, converted by Marc Prat, ending the game at 3-2.