Three talking points ahead of Barbastro vs Barcelona | Copa del Rey

On Sunday night, Barcelona return to action for the first time after their tight win over Las Palmas in La Liga. This time, they embark on a new journey in a novel competition, the Copa del Rey, as they take on Union Deportiva Barbastro in the Somontano country.

The Catalans have a lot of news doing the rounds surrounding their poor performances in recent games. Entering a clash as overwhelming favourites at such a juncture is far from easy but conquering it is the mark of a champion.

Their opposition on the night, based on Estadio Municipal Deportes Barbastro currently sit in ninth place in Group 2 of the Spanish fourth division. Yet, it is safe to say that they are significantly underrated as they knocked out primera side Almeria in the last round of the competition.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barastro vs Barcelona.

Magic of the cup

Football is known and glorified for its headlining clashes across the globe. From the big UEFA Champions League nights to the gruelling derbies across the globe, it really does not get bigger in terms of sheer support and rivalry.

Yet, it is the smaller arenas and lower divisions that host some of the world’s most fighting teams. Given the right chance, they often produce some of the beautiful game’s most enthralling action, giving elite clubs a serious run for their money.

As the underdogs, such inferior sides have nothing to lose and everything to gain. That, in itself, provides them with the required cushion to go all out and push for an upset that will rattle the world.

The Copa del Rey’s rule of gifting the lower-ranked side with the home advantage only makes it worse for the visiting party. Stepping onto a field with thousands of passionate voices cheering against them in unison, the atmosphere is terrifying.

Barcelona are no stranger to the aforementioned ‘Copa del Rey syndrome’. Just last season, they needed to dig deep into extra-time to force a win over Intercity in a seven-goal thriller where the hosts refused to back down.

Tomorrow’s clash against Barbostro, thus, will be more of the same. The fourth-division side are no strangers to pulling off upsets having knocked out Almeria in the last round of the competition. Needless to say, they smell blood once more.

Shuffling the cards

The first round of the Spanish Cup usually provides managers with the optimal chance to shuffle their deck and give younger and fringe players a chance. Given Barcelona’s current form, however, overwhelming rotations are unlikely.

In view of the hectic schedule ahead, Xavi could look to rest his primary centre-backs with Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen starting as the centre-backs on the night. Inigo Martinez, if completely fit, could replace the Danish star as well.

Another young player expected to make his debut, especially after Joao Cancelo’s injury, is Hector Fort. As one of the academy’s brightest stars, he will look to make his chance count under the senior team manager.

Xavi can also look to rest the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan, with Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez more than able to take over duties. They will likely be joined by Oriol Romeu in the middle of the park.

Lamine Yamal’s suspension comes at a wrong time, for the youngster would have certainly been a starter for Barcelona’s clash in the Copa del Rey. Joao Felix and Raphinha are expected to start on the flanks instead, with Vitor Roque starting down the centre no longer appearing an absurd idea.

Do or die

It is no secret that Barcelona have been out of their element for a long time now. None of their last five outings have been convincing, and the results are a testament to the same.

The Christmas break, many felt, would do the needful and inject fresh air into Xavi’s dynamics. Yet, the Blaugranas appear equally as dysfunctional as they did before the hiatus.

Playing against Las Palmas midweek, Barcelona required a late penalty to get the better of their opposition and take all three points. They continued to be uninspiring in attack, lacklustre in defence, and sluggish through the midfield for the better part of the game.

It is for that very reason that the conditions around the Copa del Rey clash be made clear. The fixture tomorrow night is a direct knockout, as has always been the case with the Cup, and that does not come as good news to Xavi’s dressing room.

Barbastro does not have anything to lose against Barcelona come Sunday night. As the hosts and underdogs, they will come out with all guns blazing hoping to inflict a defeat that will go down in their history books.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are well placed to become the scapegoat in another scenario. Lose and be humiliated for the result, or win and be humiliated for the manner of the result.

With a cloud of toxic messages around the dressing room and their performances, it remains to be seen how Barcelona managed the Copa del Rey clash. To see it end at the very first step would, after all, be devastating.