Marcus Rashford’s 90th-minute goal helped defending champions Barcelona stop underdogs Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey.
Published December 17, 2025
On Tuesday, Barcelona won a hard-fought 2-0 win over third-tier Guadalajara thanks to late goals from Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford, sending the Catalans into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona struggled for much of the game at the Pedro Escartin Stadium, having more than 80% possession but struggling to break down the disciplined five-man Guadalajara defence.
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The home team posed a constant threat on counterattacks, frustrating Europe’s strongest teams for long periods of time.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick brought on the regular starting lineup of Pau Kvarsi, Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, and Pedri from the bench in the second half in an attempt to make a breakthrough.
The change came in the 77th minute when Frenkie de Jong delivered a cross from the right, defender Christensen rose highest and responded with a header, which was deflected by Guadalajara’s Julio Martinez and into the goal.
Salifo Karopiche unleashed a ferocious drive from distance and the hosts fought back almost immediately, but Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (playing his first game for Barça since May) reacted well to tip his shot over the bar to preserve his side’s narrow lead.
Guadalajara’s hopes vanished at the death when Lamine Yamal put a superb through ball into the path of Rashford.
The English forward showed great composure, making a quick cut to the left past keeper Dani Vicente and firing the ball into an empty net as Barcelona wrapped up the game.
“These are tricky games. They gave everything they had and we have to do the same,” Kvarsi told TVE.
“In the second half, we picked up the pace, moving them left and right and tiring them out. As time went on, they got tired, and that was the important point. They played really well.”
