FC Barcelona marked their return to competitive action with a thrilling 4-3 win over third-tier CF Intercity to reach the last 16 of the Copa Del Rey. The Blaugrana were dragged to extra time by an impressive performance from Intercity in the clash.
Barcelona took only four minutes to open the scoring through returning defender Ronaldo Araujo. The Uruguay International rose highest to head home a corner from teenage star Pablo Torre.
Intercity refused to go away and stayed in the game, causing problems for the giants. They almost equalised inside 20 minutes, with only a goal-line clearance from Araujo keeping the scores level.
It took an hour to come, but Intercity finally found an equaliser from the boot of a former Barcelona youngster. Oriol Soldevila Puig volleyed home from inside the box after a corner was headed down into his path by a teammate.
Only six minutes later, Ousmane Dembele restored his side’s advantage. The French forward raced onto a through ball from Gavi before calmly lifting it over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Intercity continued to cause problems for their illustrious opponents and soon found an equaliser. Soldevila Puig rose brilliantly to head home a cross from inside the six-yard box in the 74th minute to level matters once more.
Barcelona took only three minutes to restore their lead, with Brazilian winger Raphinha appearing at the far post to fire home a low cross from Jordi Alba.
Incredibly, Intercity found an equaliser once more through the impressive Soldevila Puig. The 21-year-old received a pass with his side on the counter before proceeding to slot the ball under the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick.
Barcelona scored the winner in extra time, with Ansu Fati eventually getting on the end of a pass from Raphinha in the closing minutes of the first half.
Barcelona held on for a 4-3 win away from home, denying CF Intercity a famous upset. The Blaugrana will join Real Madrid, Villarreal, Levante, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and other sides in the last 16 of the competition.
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