StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

COPA SCARE: ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN & MARCUS RASHFORD SAVE FLICK'S ROTATED BARçA IN GUADALAJARA.

Barcelona's rotated squad struggled until Andreas Christensen's late goal broke Guadalajara’s defence, followed by a clincher from Marcus Rashford (2-0).

Copa Scare: Andreas Christensen & Marcus Rashford  Save Flick's Rotated Barça in Guadalajara.
Guadalajara Frustrates Barça's Rotation

Hansi Flick rotated the squad for their trip to face Guadalajara, a third-division team, at Pedro Escartin, but the team still had plenty of talent. Even so, Barcelona didn't have an easy time in their first Copa del Rey game of the season.

The game was delayed by half an hour to allow fans to enter the temporary stands. The start of the match was slow-paced in the cold weather of Guadalajara. Barcelona searched for openings in Guadalajara's tight defense. Fermin Lopez had a shot from just outside the box, which was their best chance in the first half. Eric Garcia also had two late runs into the box, getting free headers both times. The first header went into the goalkeeper's hands, and the second went over the top.

Barcelona finally broke through after a set piece

At the start of the second half, Marcus Rashford had Barcelona's best chance but couldn't beat Daniel Vicente in goal. Flick started making changes, with Marc Bernal subbed off first. Then, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Pedri came on to save the game as the second half continued.

Barcelona wasn't making clear progress toward scoring, as Lamine Yamal's attempts were stopped repeatedly. Andreas Christensen had to intercept a cross to stop Guadalajara's best attack. Then, he scored at the other end. With just under 15 minutes left, a cleared corner reached Frenkie de Jong through Pedri. De Jong's cross to the far post found Christensen, whose header deflected off a defender and into the net.

After conceding a goal, Guadalajara showed ambition and energy in pushing forward. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona's captain and goalkeeper for the first time this season, had to make two saves, including a great one to push away a strong shot from Salifo Caropitchi.

With more space for Barcelona on the counterattack, Guadalajara's failure to score first would be punished. Lamine Yamal cut in from the right and passed behind the right-back to Rashford, who calmly went around Vicente and scored into the top of the net.

Guadalajara received loud support throughout the game, which they deserved for their effort. Many La Liga teams have lost by more. For Flick, the positives were the playing time for youngsters Bernal and Torrents and a strong game from Andreas Christensen.

REPORT: HANSI FLICK RELEGATES MARC-ANDRé TER STEGEN TO THIRD CHOICE; GIRONA MOVE NOW HIGHLY LIKELY

Girona are planning a shock January loan for Marc-André ter Stegen. Can the Catalan side agree on wages with Barcelona today?

top-news
Ter Stegen To Leave Barcelona

Girona's management is planning to sign a big La Liga player: Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen.

Mundo Deportivo recently reported Girona's surprising interest, saying they're ready to get the German keeper this winter if they get a chance.

Signing a player like him costs a lot, but Girona is determined to do what it takes to make their team stronger. They can't afford to buy him outright, so they're looking at a loan. For that to happen, either Ter Stegen or Barcelona needs to give up quite a bit of money.

Girona thinks the 33-year-old German would quickly fix their goalie problem. They're hoping his presence will steady the defense and bring leadership.

The report also mentions that the player is open to the move. At 33, he needs to play every week to stay the starting goalie for Germany in the next World Cup.

Barcelona seems okay with letting him go for a while, but the money is still the issue. Girona just can't afford his full salary without help.

It all depends on two things: Barcelona will have to pay part of his wages, or Ter Stegen must take a pay cut to join Estadi Montilivi. Previous reports said Barcelona doesn't want to force their captain out. Aston Villa has also reportedly reached out to the German.

Barcelona should value the player more than his salary.

Barcelona needs to be smart about this. They need to protect their finances while taking care of a club legend who still has a lot of value. There's no point in keeping a top earner on the bench. Instead, the team should make the loan happen to keep him in shape all season.

If the German just sits around, his transfer value will drop. The club would also lose their advantage when it's time to sell him later. Joan Laporta and Deco should work out a deal where they cover some of his pay. They should view that cost as an investment to keep his value high, not just waste money.

Looking ahead, this move seems like the end of Ter Stegen's time at Camp Nou. If he leaves now, it clearly shows that Barcelona is moving on to younger goalies. The clubs will probably find a compromise on the wages soon. Everyone wants this to happen. Girona gets a top-notch goalie, Barcelona eases some tension in the locker room, and Ter Stegen gets to chase his World Cup dreams.

BARCELONA MOVE FOR FORMER LA MASIA STAR ADRIAN BERNABé BEFORE VALUE SKYROCKETS

Barcelona is eyeing a reunion with La Masia graduate Adrian Bernabé. Discover how the Parma star became an affordable target.

top-news
Barcelona Eyes Affordable January Fix

Barcelona is super aware that money is tight, and they can't just sign anyone they want. They need to be smart about who they bring in, focusing on players who won't break the bank and who will fit how the team plays.

With this in mind, Barca has been watching a familiar face: Adrian Bernabe. He used to play in Barca's youth system and has been doing well in Italy, according to Fichajes.

The club thinks he's grown into a player who would do well in their current system. At 24, he's a key player for Parma and could be a good addition to the team.

Bernabe is mainly a central midfielder. He left Barcelona for Manchester City back in 2018, hoping to learn a lot. He played a bit under Pep Guardiola but didn't get a ton of playing time because of the competition.

That's why he moved to Parma in 2021, which seemed like a step down at the time. But it was a good move. Parma trusted him and gave him a big role, which helped him grow.

He really stepped up as a leader, running the midfield and controlling the game. He was a big part of Parma getting promoted to Serie A, and this season he's been playing great.

Barcelona likes Bernabe because he's got skills, vision, and understands how to play his position. He's good at moving the ball, making smart passes, and playing with discipline. Plus, he can shoot from far out and is good on set pieces, which is a bonus.

This wouldn't be a huge signing, but it fits with what Barcelona is trying to do right now, which is get players who are ready to play right away without costing too much. The fact that Bernabe came up through La Masia and played under Guardiola is a plus.

He's got a contract with Parma until 2027, so Barca would have to talk to them to make a deal. Still, his age, how much he makes, and his familiarity with Barcelona's style of play make him an affordable option.

Apparently, people close to Bernabe are happy about Barcelona's interest, but there's no rush to make anything happen just yet.

Barcelona will keep watching him as things progress. Bringing back a former player who has developed somewhere else would suit the club's current plans.

They're definitely interested; they like what he can do, and he's still an option as Barcelona tries to strengthen the team without losing sight of their values.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News