Late Strike Caps Nervy Victory Over Resilient Third-Tier Guadalajara
Marcus Rashford delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time to finally break the resistance of a dogged Guadalajara, sending Barcelona into the Copa del Rey last 16 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory on Tuesday.
In a match that threatened a historic cup upset, the English forward provided the crucial finish after his team had been frustrated for over 75 minutes by the brilliant defensive discipline of their third-division hosts.
“You have to show patience in these games,” Rashford said post-match. “The team kept believing, and when the chance came, I was ready. Full credit to Guadalajara, they made it incredibly tough for us.”
Barcelona, with over 80% possession, probed but found no way through a compact Guadalajara back five for most of the evening at the Pedro Escartín stadium. The home side grew in belief with every blocked shot and dangerous counter, as the European giants visibly grew frustrated.
The pressure was finally relieved in the 77th minute when defender Andreas Christensen, venturing forward, headed in a Frenkie de Jong cross via a deflection. Yet, with the minnows pushing for a dramatic equalizer, the result remained in doubt until the dying moments.
The clincher came from a moment of pure quality. Teenager Lamine Yamal threaded a perfect through-ball behind the tiring defense, and Rashford showed impeccable composure. He drew the goalkeeper, cut sharply to his left, and calmly slotted into the empty net, ensuring Barcelona avoided a nerve-shredding finale and booked their place in the next round.
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