Copa del Rey: Unionistas vs Barcelona Live
Preview
In an attempt to regain some dignity after their humiliating defeat in the Supercopa de Espana, Barcelona will step down to face third-tier Unionistas in the Copa del Rey last-16 match. Following their disappointing 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Supercopa final, Xavi’s team will be challenged by the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, Unionistas, as they strive to extend Barcelona’s period of disappointment at Renia Sofia.
Less than 5,000 fans will fill Unionistas’ modest home stadium for one of the hosts’ most significant matches in recent history. They secured this opportunity with a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Villarreal in the Copa del Rey last 32. After Alfred Planas equalized an early goal from former Barcelona academy player Ilias Akhomach, Unionistas’ goalkeeper Ivan Martinez made crucial saves against Alberto Moreno and Kiko Femenia, while the third-tier underdogs scored seven times from the penalty spot to complete a stunning upset.
Gernika and Sporting Gijon also fell to the dominance of Dani Ponz’s team in this season’s Copa del Rey. Unionistas, who were established just 10 years ago, will be making their first-ever appearance in the last 16 of Spain’s premier knockout competition, after two second-round exits and a third-round elimination at the hands of Real Madrid in previous years. Since starting in the sixth tier of Spanish football, the hosts have firmly established themselves as a third-tier side. Ponz’s team prepared for the highly-anticipated match with a 2-1 victory over Rayo Majadahonda in a Primera Division contest, but they face a daunting challenge in the upcoming clash with the mighty Barcelona.
Xavi’s future as the head coach of Barcelona faced more uncertainty after a disappointing performance in the Supercopa de Espana in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite a strong start against Osasuna in the semi-finals, Barcelona suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico. The team’s high defensive line was exploited, leading to two quick goals by Vinicius Junior.
Although Robert Lewandowski scored a goal to narrow the gap, Barcelona’s second half was disastrous, with Vinicius completing a hat-trick and Rodrygo also scoring for Real Madrid. Barcelona’s subsequent 3-2 victory over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey was unconvincing, and they are aiming to avoid another early exit from the competition. With a record of 31 Copa del Rey titles, Barcelona needs to improve their performance to ease the pressure on their manager and continue their quest for a 32nd title.
Head-to-head
This will be the first competitive meeting between both sides.
Prediction
The Unionistas team will have the freedom to play without fear on Thursday, as Barcelona’s energy and morale have been depleted in Saudi Arabia. Although Barcelona struggled in their previous match against Barbastro, they are expected to have too much attacking power for their third-tier hosts.
