Barcelona Vs Guadalajara: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Tonight, Wednesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Estadio Pedro Escartín, Guadalajara |
| Competition | Copa del Rey - Round of 32 |
🏟️ Holders Begin Defense: Flick's Barça Visit Third-Tier Guadalajara
Defending champions FC Barcelona open their 2025/26 Copa del Rey campaign tonight with a historic first-ever meeting against CD Guadalajara. The Catalan giants, who have won the competition a record 33 times, enter this Round of 32 tie in sparkling form, sitting four points clear at the top of La Liga after a recent 2-0 win over Osasuna. Hansi Flick has warned his side against complacency, demanding a professional attitude in this single-leg knockout fixture.
For the hosts, CD Guadalajara, this match is arguably the biggest in their history. Currently competing in the third tier (Primera Federación), "Depor Guada" reached this stage by overcoming Cacereno and Ceuta. Managed by Pere Martí, they will be looking to pull off a monumental upset in front of a 6,000-capacity home crowd, despite sitting 17th in their league table.
- Event: Copa del Rey Round of 32
- Date: Tonight, Wednesday, December 17, 2025
- Time: 1:30 AM IST
- Venue: Estadio Pedro Escartín, Guadalajara
- Context: Barcelona begins their title defense as heavy favorites with an 85.1% win probability.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
FC Barcelona (Coach: Hansi Flick, Form: W W W W W in last 5)
Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad heavily for this trip. Key players like Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Ronald Araujo remain sidelined with injuries. First-choice goalkeeper Joan García will be rested, allowing Wojciech Szczęsny or Marc-André ter Stegen to start. Robert Lewandowski is a game-time decision due to a minor physical issue, meaning Ferran Torres may lead the line.
CD Guadalajara (Coach: Pere Martí, Form: L D W W L in last 5)
The home side enters this contest following a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid's B-team. Unlike their illustrious opponents, Guadalajara has a fully fit squad available. They will rely on their defensive organization and the home support to withstand the early pressure from the La Liga leaders.
⭐ Key Players
- Barcelona: Ferran Torres (Forward) - Expected to lead the attack; his finishing will be crucial in breaking down a deep-sitting defense.
- Barcelona: Fermín López (Midfielder) - Likely to start in a rotated midfield; provides goal-scoring threat from late runs into the box.
- Guadalajara: Alex Cañizo (Forward) - The home side's main hope for an upset, having already scored in the competition this season.
- Guadalajara: Ablanque (Defender) - The captain will need to lead a heroic defensive effort to keep Barcelona's stars at bay.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Barça's Rotation: How effectively the fringe players like Marc Casadó and Roony Bardghji integrate will determine how quickly the favorites take control.
- Early Pressure: Guadalajara must survive the opening 20 minutes; any early goal for the visitors could turn this into a long night for the third-tier side.
- Pitch Conditions: The smaller dimensions and atmosphere at Estadio Pedro Escartín are the hosts' best tools for disrupting Barcelona's passing rhythm.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
Despite the charm of the cup, the disparity in quality between the European heavyweights and a third-tier side struggling in their own division is significant. Even with a rotated lineup, Barcelona's superior technical ability should result in a comfortable victory. Expect the holders to navigate this "banana skin" fixture with professionalism.
Predicted Score: Guadalajara 0 - 4 Barcelona
Will Barcelona stroll into the Round of 16, or can Guadalajara produce a miracle for the ages? Kick-off is tonight at 1:30 AM IST!
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