Mueez Ajao
– Robert Lewandowski scored a brace and led a second-string Barcelona side to a 5-0 win at third-tier Ceuta in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Thursday.
– Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Franck Kessie were also on target against a hapless Ceuta.
– Barca manager Xavi Hernandez made 10 changes to the team that won 3-1 the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid on Sunday, resting all his key players with the exception of Lewandowski, and was happy with the result after the match.
Also Read: Gavi takes the stage as Barca win SuperCopa over Madrid
– “I would highlight the team’s attitude,” Xavi said. “We had the experience of Intercity [in the last round when Barca needed extra time], which can happen if you drop your intensity. We struggled to create in the first half but the second period was really good. The team showed hunger.
– “Ceuta were really up for it, but we produced a serious performance. We have a great squad. It is not a second team. They are important players and they will be until the end of the season.”
🎙️ XAVI: "Today, Robert [Lewandowski] showed that he is a tremendous professional. With the same attitude as the day of the final. Perfect. Perfect for him because he’s getting minutes." pic.twitter.com/d6KYRrBKzG
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 19, 2023
– The visitors were dominant in every aspect of the game and took the lead in the 40th minute when Raphinha curled in a shot from the edge of the area.
– Lewandowski extended Barca’s lead five minutes after the interval when Kessie stole the ball from a Ceuta defender and passed it to the Polish striker for an easy tap in.
– Substitute Fati made it 3-0 in the 70th minute by dribbling past a defender before slotting a right-footed strike into the far post.
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– Kessie netted the fourth with a towering header from a Raphinha cross in the 77th minute and Lewandowski finished a counter-attack with a gentle touch to the goalkeeper’s left in the 90th minute.
– Barca joined Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Real Sociedad and Sevilla in the quarterfinals.
FULL TIME! #CeutaBarça pic.twitter.com/FJnlSVcewh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 19, 2023