FC Barcelona have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, maintaining strong form in both La Liga and the Champions League. Despite encountering a few setbacks in recent weeks, the Catalan giants remain firmly on track to secure direct qualification for the UCL knockout stages and currently sit ahead of Real Madrid in the league standings.
Now, another challenge looms on the horizon as Barcelona set their sights on the Copa del Rey, with the draw for the Round of 32 scheduled for Monday, December 9th, at 1:00 PM CET. Matches will take place on January 3rd, 4th, or 5th, with single-elimination games hosted at the home grounds of the lower-tier teams.
Ahead of the draw, as highlighted by SPORT, Barcelona have learned their potential opponents, who are:
- Pontevedra CF
- UD Barbastro
- UD Logrones
- Club Deportiva Minera
All four teams compete in the Segunda Federación, Spain’s fourth division. On paper, these clubs should pose minimal threat to a squad of Barcelona’s caliber. However, the unpredictable nature of cup football ensures that nothing can be taken for granted.
A key aspect to monitor will be how Hansi Flick approaches the competition. Known for his high-intensity tactical system, Flick’s methods demand a lot from his players, making squad rotation essential.
With Barcelona competing on multiple fronts—including a tightly contested La Liga title race and the Champions League—the balancing of priorities will be crucial in the coming months.
Unfortunately, Barcelona’s bench strength remains an area of concern. While the starting XI boasts world-class quality, the squad depth falls short, which could significantly influence Flick’s line-up choices in the Copa del Rey.
This situation could present opportunities for several promising La Masia talents to shine. Youngsters like Guille Fernández, Toni Fernández, and Unai Hernández may find themselves stepping into the spotlight, as Flick looks to rest key players while maintaining competitiveness. For these rising stars, the Copa del Rey could serve as a platform to prove their worth and earn more consistent minutes in the senior team.
As the draw approaches, Barcelona fans will be eager to see how their team navigates the early stages of the competition. Will Flick prioritize the Copa del Rey alongside the demanding schedules of La Liga and the Champions League? While only time will tell, the stage is set for Barcelona to continue their pursuit of silverware on all fronts.
