Barcelona begins the defense of the Copa del Rey title this Tuesday, December 16, against Guadalajara, at Estádio Pedro Escartín, at Guadalajara, at Espanha. The match, valid for the round of 16, takes place at 5pm Brasília time, corresponding to 9pm local Spanish time. The current champion enters the field as an absolute favorite against an opponent from the third division.
Coach Hansi Flick opted for a mixed lineup, preserving some starters to manage the squad at the end of the year. Já o Guadalajara, who advanced by eliminating teams in the previous stages, are looking for a historic surprise in an unprecedented clash against the Catalan giants. The game marks Barcelona’s debut in the competition this season.
The live broadcast is carried out by the streaming service Disney+, with the option also on ESPN channels for subscribers. Fans can follow all the moves on the platform, which holds the rights to Copa del Rey in Brasil.
- Guadalajara: 4-4-2 formation with D. Vicente; M. Á. Cera, J. Ablanque (c), J. Casado, J. Martínez; M. Ramírez, P. Rojo, S. Mayo, A. Moreno; THE. Cañizo and B. Diaz.
- Barcelona: 4-2-3-1 formation with M. ter Stegen; M. Casadó, E. García, A. Christensen, J. Torrents; M. Bernal, F. de Jong; L. Yamal, F. López, R. Bardghji and M. Rashford.
Where to watch and match details
The match between Guadalajara and Barcelona can be followed live on Disney+ from 5pm on Brasília. ESPN also broadcasts for those with a premium package. Não there are official free options available in Brasil.
The Estádio Pedro Escartín, with reduced capacity, should receive maximum attendance for the historic event. Tickets sold out quickly, reflecting local expectations for the duel against the leader of La Liga.
Confirmed team lineups
Guadalajara enters with its standard 4-4-2 formation, betting on defensive solidity led by captain J. Ablanque. The attack counts on Á. Cañizo and B. Diaz to exploit quick counterattacks. Essa lineup reflects the team that advanced in the previous rounds of the competition.
Barcelona confirms the 4-2-3-1 with Ter Stegen in goal and young players like Torrents and Bardghji getting minutes. De Jong returns to midfield, while Yamal and Rashford lead the offensive sector. Flick confirms rotation to maintain the rhythm of the main team.
Team context before the game
Guadalajara is going through a delicate moment in the third division, occupying a position close to the relegation zone. Apesar Furthermore, the team arrives motivated after convincing eliminations in the early stages of Copa del Rey. The confrontation represents a unique opportunity for the smaller club.
Barcelona leads La Liga comfortably and maintains a positive streak in multiple competitions. Defending the title at Copa del Rey is a priority, even with an alternative lineup. The Catalan team seeks to advance without excessive wear and tear before the end of the year.
History and curiosities of the duel
This is the first official confrontation between Guadalajara and Barcelona in history. The Catalan club holds 32 Copa del Rey titles, being the competition’s biggest winner. Já o Guadalajara reaches the 16th for the first time, marking an unprecedented feat.
- Recent scorers: No Barcelona, names like Yamal stand out with assists; in Guadalajara, Cañizo leads the season in goals.
- Guadalajara’s last 5 games: Incluem recent defeat, but previous cup wins.
- Barcelona’s last 5 games: Sequência wins over La Liga and Champions.
Weather forecast and arbitration
The forecast for Guadalajara indicates temperatures around 11°C local time, with the possibility of light rain and moderate winds. The pitch can be heavy, influencing the teams’ playing style.
The arbitration is carried out by an experienced professional, without the use of VAR at this stage of the Copa of the Rey. The average number of cards in similar games suggests a close but controlled match.
Recent performance and predictions
Barcelona arrives with five consecutive victories, demonstrating clear technical superiority. Palpites point to a comfortable victory for the visitors, with a likely score above two goals difference. Guadalajara focuses on motivation to resist as long as possible.
The difference in divisions favors Barcelona, which rotates without losing quality. Especialistas see smooth progress for the Catalans in the competition.