Barcelona Storm Back To Seal Last 16 Spot At Camp Nou
- Barcelona shook off an early scare to overpower FC Copenhagen 4-1 at Camp Nou, booking automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16 with a ruthless second half display.
Barcelona had to do things the hard way, but when the moment arrived, they delivered in style. Hansi Flick’s side booked their place in the Champions League last 16 after a commanding 4-1 victory over FC Copenhagen, turning an early setback into a night of celebration at Camp Nou.
The shock came early. Just four minutes in, Viktor Dadason punished a sloppy Barcelona pass, racing through on goal and calmly slotting past Joan Garcia to stun the home crowd. Copenhagen defended with discipline for much of the first half, frustrating Barcelona despite sustained pressure and a flurry of chances that included efforts off the woodwork and several sharp saves from Dominik Kotarski.
The game changed completely after the break. Three minutes into the second half, Robert Lewandowski restored parity, finishing from close range after a slick move involving Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal. The goal lifted the tension inside Camp Nou and Barcelona never looked back.
Twelve minutes later, the stadium erupted again. Yamal collected possession on the right, cut inside and unleashed a curling effort that took a deflection on its way in, handing Barcelona a deserved lead and underlining the teenager’s growing influence on the biggest stage.
Copenhagen’s resistance finally cracked in the 69th minute when Barcelona were awarded a penalty. Raphinha stepped up and smashed his effort past Kotarski, putting the result beyond doubt and confirming Barcelona’s return to control.
There was still time for more. Marcus Rashford, introduced from the bench, added the final touch five minutes from time with a beautifully struck free kick that flew over the wall and into the net, capping a dominant second half performance.
Barcelona finished the night with 28 attempts, 13 on target, and an expected goals tally of 3.05, underlining how comprehensive their victory was. Copenhagen, who managed just six shots all evening, are eliminated from the competition, while Barcelona march directly into the last 16 and await one of Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Monaco or Qarabag.
After an anxious opening, this was a statement win from Flick’s side, proof that when Barcelona click, they remain a force to be feared in Europe.
