Barcelona begins the defense of the Copa del Rey title this Tuesday, December 16, 2025, against Guadalajara, in a single match for the round of 16. The game takes place at 5pm (Brasília time), at Estádio Pedro Escartín, at Guadalajara, at Espanha, with the Catalan team entering as strong favorites against their third division opponent.
The confrontation marks the debut of Barcelona in the competition, after exemption in the initial stages for participating in Supercopa. Guadalajara arrives after eliminating Cacereño and Ceuta in the previous rounds.
- Exclusive broadcast on Disney+ for Brasil, with options also on ESPN channels for subscribers.
- Streaming allows complete monitoring, including pre- and post-game.
Where to watch and match information
The Estádio Pedro Escartín has a limited capacity for around 6 thousand fans and should receive maximum attendance for the historic event. The local time at Espanha is 8pm, with forecast weather conditions of cloudy skies and temperatures between 8°C and 12°C, without heavy rain.
César Soto Grado referees the duel, with an average of 5.23 yellow cards per game in recent averages. Não there is VAR available at this stage of Copa del Rey.
Probable lineups and Pedri situation
Hansi Flick should promote rotations in Barcelona, preserving some starters for the final stretch of the year in La Liga. Provável lineup includes Joan García in goal, defense with Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and Baldé, midfielder with Eric García, Pedri and options like
Pedri returns to the team after recovering from a muscle injury suffered in October, which kept him out for around a month and a half. The 23-year-old midfielder, a key player in the Flick scheme, was listed and could gain minutes to regain his rhythm, after playing in recent La Liga games.
Guadalajara, trained by Pere Martí, lines up in 4-2-3-1 with Vicente; Mayo, Ablanque, Rodríguez, Casado; Rojo, Calvo; Díaz, Ramírez, Muñoz; Cañizo. Ausências in Barcelona include Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Ronald Araújo.
History of confrontations and curiosities
The teams have never faced each other in official matches for the main team. Barcelona holds the record for titles in the Copa del Rey, with 32 wins, and defends the trophy won in the previous season.
Guadalajara reaches its 16th birthday for the first time in its history. The Primera Federación club is fighting relegation in the domestic league.
Recent team form
Barcelona maintains a positive streak, with victories in recent games, including triumphs in La Liga and Champions League. The team leads the Campeonato Espanhol and seeks to maintain momentum in the knockout stages.
Guadalajara comes from irregular results in the third division, with a recent defeat to Real Madrid Castilla. Nas previous phases of Copa, advanced with narrow victories at home.
- Guadalajara’s last five games: loss, win, draw, loss, win.
- Barcelona’s last five games: win, win, win, draw, win.
Arbitration and external conditions
César Soto Grado commands the refereeing, with no history of controversy in recent Barcelona games. The absence of VAR follows the regulations until advanced stages.
The forecast at Guadalajara indicates a cool night, with the possibility of light winds affecting long passes. The lawn at Pedro Escartín is in regular condition for the date.
Expectations and guesses
Analysts point to a comfortable victory for Barcelona, considering the difference in levels and the quality of the Catalan squad. Guadalajara is betting on the motivation of playing at home to make things difficult for the favorite.
With rotations, the Barcelona maintains high competitiveness. The duel serves as preparation for more demanding commitments at the end of 2025.
