Barcelona academy graduate likely to start vs Intercity in Copa del Rey Round of 32

After bidding goodbye to 2022 on a disappointing note, Barcelona will be raring to kickstart the New Year with a win when they play RFEF First Division side CF Intercity in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.

The Blaugrana, who have won this competition the most number of times, will be gunning for glory again, as it is important for Xavi Hernandez & co. to bring home trophies this season, especially after yet another premature exit from the UEFA Champions League.

To that end, the manager is planning to field a strong lineup when Barça face Intercity at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on Wednesday night.

While that could indicate that Xavi might not look to rotate a great deal, a report from AS is claiming that there will be one notable change made as goalkeeper Inaki Pena is in line to start ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen for Barcelona.

Pena, a product of the Catalans’ La Masia youth setup, has just made one senior appearance so far, which came in the Champions League clash against minnows Viktoria Plzen.

But, on Wednesday, the 23-year-old could be poised to make his debut in Copa del Rey against CF Intercity. If so, it will be a special occasion for the shot-stopper, as he would be playing his first cup match in Alicante, where he was born.

Pena is in the final six months of his contract with Barcelona. But the club are already close to finalising a renewal for the Spaniard, who is reportedly on the verge of signing a new three-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2026.

Ter Stegen has been in brilliant form so far this season, which means that Pena’s game-time will very much be limited to cup ties only. And it is up to the youngster to make the most of his chances, starting from the game against Intercity.