### FC Barcelona Triumphs in Copa del Rey: A Night of Late Goals and Awards On December 16, 2025, FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against third-tier side Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey, advancing to the last 16 of the tournament. The match, which was delayed by 30 minutes, saw late goals from Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford, ensuring the defending champions continued their quest for another title. Additionally, Aitana Bonmatí was recognized for her outstanding performances, claiming her third consecutive FIFA The Best award, further highlighting Barcelona's prominence in both domestic and international football [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fc-barcelona-news-17-december-100000439.html]. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Highlights 1. **Match Overview** - Barcelona faced Guadalajara in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey. - The match was characterized by Barcelona's dominance in possession but a resilient defense from Guadalajara. - Late goals from Christensen and Rashford sealed the victory for Barcelona [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/guadalajara-vs-barcelona-match-report-copa-del-rey-2025-26-round-of-32]. 2. **Key Players** - **Andreas Christensen**: Scored the first goal, breaking the deadlock in the second half. - **Marcus Rashford**: Followed up with a second goal, ensuring Barcelona's progression in the tournament [https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/barcelona-through-to-copa-del-rey-fourth-round-after-late-breakthrough-valencia-and-real-sociedad-advance]. 3. **Match Statistics** - **Possession**: Barcelona dominated possession throughout the match. - **Goals**: Both goals came in the latter stages, showcasing Barcelona's persistence and ability to capitalize on opportunities [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3732771-christensen-and-rashford-secure-barcelonas-hard-fought-copa-del-rey-victory]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Match Details**: - **Final Score**: Barcelona 2 - 0 Guadalajara - **Goals**: - Andreas Christensen (Late in the second half) - Marcus Rashford (Shortly after Christensen's goal) - **Match Context**: - The match was crucial for Barcelona as they aimed to defend their Copa del Rey title. - The victory was achieved despite a strong defensive display from Guadalajara, emphasizing Barcelona's need for late-game resilience [https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2025/12/17/soccer-christensen-and-rashford-on-target-as-barcelona-beat-guadalajara-in-copa-del-rey]. ### Conclusion: Barcelona's Path Forward In summary, **FC Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Guadalajara not only highlights their determination and skill but also sets the stage for their continued success in the Copa del Rey**. The late goals from Christensen and Rashford exemplify the team's ability to perform under pressure. Furthermore, Aitana Bonmatí's recognition as FIFA's Best underscores the club's overall excellence in football. Moving forward, Barcelona will aim to build on this momentum as they progress deeper into the tournament. 1. Barcelona's victory against Guadalajara demonstrates their resilience and tactical prowess. 2. Key players like Christensen and Rashford played pivotal roles in securing the win. 3. The team's performance is complemented by individual accolades, enhancing their reputation in the sport [https://newsfinale.com/local-news/christensen-and-rashford-propel-barcelona-to-victory-against-third-tier-guadalajara-in-copa-del-rey-clash].