Can Barcelona Successfully Begin Their Copa del Rey Title Defense Against Guadalajara?
Synopsis
As the Copa del Rey approaches, all eyes are on FC Barcelona as they prepare to defend their title against third-tier Guadalajara. Will they rise to the occasion or face unexpected challenges? Discover the potential lineup changes and key player insights as Barcelona embarks on this crucial journey.
Key Takeaways
Barcelona aims to defend their Copa del Rey title.
They are making lineup changes from their recent match against Osasuna.
Guadalajara is a third-tier team looking for an upset.
Key players include Raphinha and Lewandowski .
Expect a competitive match with potential surprises.
Madrid, Dec 15 (NationPress) The defending champions of the Copa del Rey, FC Barcelona, are set to kick off their title defense as they face off against third-division team Guadalajara in the tournament's third round on Tuesday evening. Barcelona is expected to alter their starting lineup from the match against Osasuna on Saturday, with players like Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, and Fermin Lopez likely to take the field. Marc Andre Ter-Stegen could also make his return to action after undergoing back surgery during the summer.
Robert Lewandowski, who did not see any action in Saturday's 2-0 victory, is considered a doubt due to a minor injury.
Guadalajara, competing in the RFEF I division, suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid's reserve team over the weekend.
On Wednesday, Real Madrid will play against Talavera, a team from the same division as Guadalajara.
Thursday will witness Atletico Madrid taking on Atletico Baleares, the team that eliminated Espanyol in the previous round, while Athletic Bilbao will face Ourense, a side that has already triumphed over top-tier opponents such as Oviedo and Girona.
Last weekend, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo both found the net, leading Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory against Alaves on Sunday, reducing the gap between them and La Liga leaders FC Barcelona to just four points. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a spectacular run, slotting the ball into the top corner.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made an impressive save to thwart Pablo Ibanez just before halftime, but Carlos Vicente equalized for Alaves in the 68th minute, with the goal initially flagged offside before VAR intervened.
Rodrygo regained the lead for Real Madrid in the 76th minute following excellent play from Vinicius Jr, although he later exited the match due to a calf injury.
Meanwhile, Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory at home against Osasuna on Saturday, with Raphinha netting both goals in the final 20 minutes. The first was a stunning long-range effort, while the second was a close-range finish just four minutes before the end.
Point of View
My perspective remains focused on delivering unbiased insights into sports events. The clash between FC Barcelona and Guadalajara is a compelling story not only in terms of competitive spirit but also in the broader narrative of the Copa del Rey. It is essential to recognize the unpredictability of these matches and the potential for surprises along the way.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the match between Barcelona and Guadalajara start?
The match is scheduled to start on Tuesday night.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Key players include Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Ter-Stegen for Barcelona, while Guadalajara will look to make an impact despite being an underdog.
What is the current status of Robert Lewandowski?
Robert Lewandowski is a doubt for the match due to a minor physical issue.
How did Guadalajara perform in their last match?
Guadalajara lost 3-1 to Real Madrid's B-team over the weekend.
What are the stakes for Barcelona in this match?
As the reigning champions, Barcelona is determined to start their title defense successfully and advance in the tournament.
