Guadalajara 0-2 Barcelona: Christensen and Rashford spare Hansi Flick’s side from Copa del Rey embarrassment

Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory in the Copa del Rey at Deportivo Guadalajara on Tuesday.

They started the game on the front foot, as Eric Garcia forced Dani Vicente to make a save inside six minutes.

Alejandro Canizo had Guadalajara’s only chance in the first period from a counter-attack, but he failed to hit the target.

Andreas Christensen had a powerful shot saved by Vicente, who shortly afterwards made another stop to deny Marcus Rashford.

Fermin Lopez nearly opened the scoring with a spectacular effort that narrowly missed the top corner.

Garcia missed a good chance to give Barcelona the lead before half-time. Lamine Yamal whipped a cross into the area, but Garcia directed his header straight at the goalkeeper.

Barcelona continued to apply pressure on the hosts after the restart, with Rashford having two consecutive chances to open the scoring. Vicente denied him on both occasions.

Guadalajara manager Pere Marti made three changes after the hour mark to keep frustrating the La Liga defending champions.

However, their resilience was broken in the 79th minute as Christensen headed Frenkie de Jong’s cross home, aided by a deflection.

Guadalajara almost drew level instantly, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a brilliant stop to preserve Barcelona’s slim lead.

Rashford sealed the victory for Hansi Flick’s side on the stroke of full-time. He received a pass from Yamal, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net.