FC Barcelona kicked off their Copa del Rey campaign with a 4-0 win at fourth-tier Barbastro on Saturday (Jan 4) to progress into the last 16, with striker Robert Lewandowski scoring either side of the break. Defender Eric Garcia put Barca in front with a bullet header in the 21st minute before Lewandowski nodded home from close range 10 minutes later. The Poland striker added a third goal two minutes into the second half with a simple low finish from near the penalty spot and Pablo Torre made it 4-0 after capitalising on an error by Barbastro goalkeeper Arnau Fabrega. The win saw Flick reach the 100th victory of his managerial career while Barca emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny made his debut in goal for the club.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice as FC Barcelona comfortably dispatched Barbastro to reach the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
Manager Hansi Flick named a strong team for the trip to the fourth-tier side as Barca looked to bounce back from successive LaLiga defeats before the winter break.
Defender Eric Garcia set Barca on their way before Lewandowski met Pablo Torre's free-kick to head home. Lewandowski struck again after half-time, latching on to a deft pass from Torre and rolling the ball into the corner to take his tally for the season to 25 goals across all competitions.
After laying on two assists, Torre got his name on the scoresheet when he profited from a mistake by goalkeeper Arnau Fabrega. With a spot in the next round secured, 16-year-old Toni Fernandez was handed his senior debut in the 81st minute.
Barca are record 31-time winners of the Copa del Rey but have not lifted the trophy since 2020-21.
