OFFICIAL: FC Barcelona will begin its journey in the 2024-25 Copa del Rey against UD Barbastro

The Copa del Rey 2024-25 kicks off for FC Barcelona. Hansi Flick's team already knows their opponents in the round of 32 of the competition. This time they will face UD Barbastro, a team with whom they initiated a new rivalry last season.

It is worth mentioning that the only match between both teams took place on January 7, 2024 at the Municipal Stadium of Barbastro. In that match, Barcelona fielded a starting eleven that was a mix of regular starters with some game-changers, as is customary in the early stages of this competition, specifically in the third round during their debut in the Copa del Rey 2023-24.

During that encounter, Barcelona dominated the first half of the game, taking the lead on the scoreboard thanks to a goal from Fermín López in the 18th minute. This lead was extended in the 58th minute with a goal from Raphinha, setting the score at 0-2 in favor of the Blaugrana team.

However, Barbastro responded by scoring to make it 1-2 through a goal from Adrià de Mesa. Barcelona furthered their lead to 1-3 with a goal from Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot. The match didn't lack excitement until the end as Marc Prat Serrano scored a goal from a penalty kick in the 90th minute, leading to a thrilling conclusion of the match.

Javito and Arnau Fàbrega expressed the feelings of UD Barbastro after the match against Barça was confirmed

The captain of UD Barbastro, Javier López Abadias, 'Javito', spoke live on the RFEF broadcast to share his perspective on this new clash against Barcelona: "We are eager for revenge", he warned, amidst a great celebration surrounding him.

Also, the goalkeeper Arnau Fàbrega didn't hesitate to emphasize how important it is for UD Barbastro to face a team of this caliber, one they stood up to last season: "One of the teams that was most talked about in the locker room was Barça, of course. It's one of the best teams in the world and it's something to enjoy. I have very good memories from last year, I think it will be a unique and unforgettable experience to repeat a new feat and give Barça a hard time. The Espanyol match was a turning point mentally for us".

When will UD Barbastro and FC Barcelona face off in the Copa del Rey 2024-25?

Now, the next chapter between FC Barcelona and UD Barbastro will unfold in the Copa del Rey 2024-25, in a match scheduled to take place on January 4 at the Municipal Stadium of Barbastro. This will be the Catalan team's first match in 2025, and will serve as a prelude to their trip to Jeddah to face Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup on January 8.