Barcelona Storms Into Copa Quarters With Dominant Display

Barcelona produced a dominant display to storm into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 5-0 victory over AD Ceuta on Thursday night. The Catalan giants were in fine form at the Municipal Alfonso Murube Stadium, with goals from Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Ansu Fati, Robert Lewandowski, and Jordi Alba sealing a comfortable win.

A Fast Start Sets the Tone

Barcelona wasted little time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead through Raphinha in just the first minute. The Brazilian winger's close-range finish set the tone for the rest of the match, as Barcelona continued to press forward and create chances.

Goals Flow As Barcelona Control

Franck Kessie doubled Barcelona's advantage just before the half-hour mark, tapping in from close range after a fine cross from Jordi Alba. Ansu Fati made it 3-0 shortly after, finishing clinically after being played through by Lewandowski.

Lewandowski himself got on the scoresheet in the second half, converting a penalty after he had been brought down in the area. Jordi Alba completed the rout late on, tapping in from close range after a flowing move involving Fati and substitute Ferran Torres.

Ceuta Offer Little Resistance

AD Ceuta, who play in the Spanish third division, offered little resistance to Barcelona's relentless pressure. The home side managed just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, as Barcelona's defense remained resolute.

Barcelona's Strength in Depth

Barcelona's performance was particularly impressive given that they made several changes to their starting lineup. Manager Xavi Hernandez rested a number of key players, including Pedri, Gavi, and Sergio Busquets, but the team still looked strong in all areas.

The emergence of players like Kessie and Fati is a positive sign for Barcelona, who now have genuine strength in depth. With the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski still to return from injury, Barcelona will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming months.

Implications for the Rest of the Season

Barcelona's victory over AD Ceuta is a timely boost for the team's confidence. Xavi Hernandez's side has now won four consecutive matches in all competitions, and they will be hoping to continue this form into the second half of the season.

Barcelona remains in contention for all three major trophies this season, and they will be hoping to use their Copa del Rey triumph as a springboard for success in La Liga and the Champions League.

Conclusion

Barcelona put in a dominant display to storm into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 5-0 victory over AD Ceuta. The Catalan giants were in fine form throughout the match, and they will be hoping to continue this form into the second half of the season.

Barcelona's victory is a timely boost for the team's confidence, and they will be hoping to use their Copa del Rey triumph as a springboard for success in La Liga and the Champions League.