Barcelona secured their place in the Copa del Rey last 16 with a dominant 4-0 victory over fourth-division side Barbastro. However, the win was overshadowed by the club’s ongoing struggle to register star midfielder Dani Olmo, a situation that continues to cast a shadow over their season.
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— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 4, 2025
0️⃣ Barbastro
4️⃣ Barça
🏆 #CopadelRey #Barça pic.twitter.com/doFIx55CgP
A Commanding Performance on the Pitch
Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona delivered a clinical performance against Barbastro. Eric García opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a powerful header, followed by a brace from Robert Lewandowski, who netted goals in the 31st and 47th minutes. Pablo Torre sealed the victory with a composed finish in the 56th minute, capping off a dominant display.
The match was briefly halted in the second half after Barbastro’s Jaime Ara suffered a head injury following a collision with Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez. Ara was stretchered off, but there were no reports of serious injuries.
The Olmo Dilemma: A Persistent Challenge
Despite the on-field success, Barcelona’s off-field issues remain unresolved. The club’s attempts to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor for the remainder of the season have been repeatedly denied by La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation. The players were initially registered through the end of 2024, but Barcelona failed to meet the deadline to reinstate them due to salary cap constraints.
Although the club has since complied with financial fair-play rules, the league has ruled that the players cannot be re-registered after being dropped. Barcelona is now expected to take the matter to court, hoping to secure the players’ eligibility for the rest of the season.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona’s victory in the Copa del Rey marks a positive start to the new year, but the unresolved Olmo situation remains a significant concern. The club’s inability to register key players could hinder their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
As the legal battle unfolds, Barcelona will need to focus on maintaining their form on the pitch. With crucial fixtures ahead, including La Liga and Champions League matches, the team must navigate these challenges to keep their season on track.
