FC Barcelona are known as a team that likes to compete for every single competition that it is a part of. That is simply the level of competitiveness and excellence that is demanded at the club. No competition is too big or too small for Barcelona, and they aim for success in every single one.
When it comes to the Copa Del Rey, however, Barcelona remain the undisputed kings of the competition. With 31 titles to their name, the Catalan giants are the most successful team when it comes to the ‘King’s Cup’. Moreover, just like any other season, they are once again set to compete in it.
However, in this particular tournament, even the first step can be any team’s final step. With only one leg in the initial knockout games, Hansi Flick’s team must be aware of the danger and difficulty of this particular competition.
As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, however, it appears that Barcelona will be facing off against a familiar opponent in the upcoming Round of 32. That opponent will be none other than UD Barbastro, the same team that Barça played in the Copa del Rey last season in January of this year and managed to barely defeat with a 3-2 scoreline.
Currently, the team in question is playing in the Segunda Federacion (Group 2) and is taking on a relegation battle over there. With only 13 points won from 15 games, it is clear to see that the Spanish side is struggling within their own league so far.
However, momentum in the Copa del Rey is quite clearly working out for them. So far, they have remained perfect in the competition and have already taken on the likes of Espanyol and Amorebieta one after the other. Espanyol suffered a 2-0 defeat to this side, whereas the latter lost 4-0 to UD Barbastro.
This means that despite their league results, FC Barcelona simply cannot afford to take this team lightly in a competition that is one of the major targets for the Catalan giants every season. However, it must be noted that this challenge could also offer Hansi Flick an opportunity to truly test out his team’s squad depth as well.
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MALLORCA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Frenkie de Jong (L) of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates Raphinha (C) and Pedri (R) during the LaLiga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Son Moix on December 03, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain.
MALLORCA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Pau Victor (3rd R) of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal with teammates during the LaLiga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Son Moix on December 03, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain.
BELGRADE, SERBIA - NOVEMBER 6: Head coach Hansi Flick of Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FK Crvena Zvezda and FC Barcelona at Stadium Rajko Mitic on November 6, 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Set to take place in January, this clash could see Hansi Flick possibly test out more players from the youth teams and perhaps even give out-of-favor first team players some extra opportunities. At the same time, however, he will need to strike a proper balance that also gives his team a winning chance for the encounter.