The draw for the 2024/25 Copa del Rey Round of 32 took place earlier today and FC Barcelona, who will begin their journey in the competition at this stage, will be facing a familiar opponent.
Indeed, in a repeat fixture from the Round of 32 of the competition from last season, the Blaugrana will once again be locking horns with RFEF Second Division side UD Barbastro.
The Catalan heavyweights could have been drawn against Logrones, Deportiva Minera, or Pontevedra, but as fate would have it, they will be facing Barbastro once again.
Barbastro captain wants revenge
Just one year after Barça’s historic visit to the Municipal Stadium, where they struggled to advance in the competition last January, Hansi Flick’s side will return to a venue.
The La Liga leaders’ last trip to face Barbastro last season was far from memorable as they came very close to being eliminated, ultimately edging out the minnows 3-2 to progress.
¡¡Segunda Federación 🆚 Supercopa!!
El primer cruce de dieciseisavos es…@UD_Barbastro – @FCBarcelona_es
¡¡Y la celebración está a la altura!#LaCopaMola 🏆 | #CopaDelReyMAPFRE pic.twitter.com/nDTozfKqi5
— RFEF (@rfef) December 9, 2024
As such, Barbastro captain Javito, after the draw, celebrated the chance to face Barcelona again, stating that he and his team would be out for revenge.
“We are eager for revenge,” the player commented, as quoted by SPORT, amid the chaos and excitement surrounding him.
What happened in the last meeting?
As mentioned above, Barcelona came close to facing a shock upset against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 last season.
After taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Fermin Lopez and Raphinha, the Catalans allowed their hosts a way back into the contest as Adria de Mesa Garrido pulled a goal back at the hour-mark and Barbastro put the La Liga behemoths under pressure.
A Robert Lewandowski penalty in the 88th minute seemed to ease some pressure, but Barbastro scored again in stoppage time and threatened an equaliser, but Barcelona held on for a win.