FC Barcelona secured their place in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 with a resounding 0-4 victory over Barbastro, a Segunda RFEF side, in a match highlighted by the return of Ronald Araujo after six months out due to injury. The win also marked Hansi Flick's 100th victory as manager of the Catalan club.

Total Dominance From The Start

Barbastro, known for their 'giant-killer' reputation after eliminating teams like Almería and Espanyol in previous editions, could not replicate that magic against Barcelona. The visitors showcased their superiority from the first whistle, controlling possession and executing swift transitions that kept the home side on the back foot.

The scoring began in the 20th minute when Ronald Araujo flicked on a corner that Eric García converted with a clinical header. Just ten minutes later, Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead, nodding home from a well-delivered set piece.

In the second half, Lewandowski completed his brace early, using his experience to outmaneuver his marker and finish with composure. The fourth and final goal came in the 55th minute when Pablo Torre capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Arnau Fábrega, who lost the ball under pressure.

With the result secured, Flick rotated his lineup, giving rest to key players while managing game time effectively. Barbastro managed a few late attempts but failed to seriously test the Barcelona defense.

Araujo's Return And Upcoming Challenges

The biggest takeaway from the match was the successful return of Ronald Araujo, who completed the full 90 minutes, displaying the solidity and leadership that make him a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense. His comeback is a significant boost for a team aiming to compete on multiple fronts.

Looking ahead, Barcelona enters the Round of 16 with renewed confidence and their sights firmly set on winning the Copa del Rey. With high expectations for the remainder of the season, the Catalan side appears well-prepared to continue their quest for silverware under Flick's leadership.