CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Match Preview
A true “David vs Goliath” encounter captures the imagination of Spanish football this Wednesday, 17 December 2025. Fourth-tier side CD Guadalajara welcome the mighty FC Barcelona to a sold-out Estadio Pedro Escartín for the Round of 32. For the hosts, this is the biggest match in their history—a chance to host global superstars in their humble 8,000-capacity home. For Barcelona, fresh off five consecutive victories including a dominant display against Osasuna, this is a potential banana skin where professionalism and squad rotation will be tested to the limit.
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Match Info
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 32)
- Venue: Estadio Pedro Escartín, Guadalajara (Capacity: 8,000)1
- Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 01:30 IST (Thursday)
- Referee: TBC (RFEF Appointment)
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Match Stakes
CD Guadalajara (Segunda Federación):
- Win → The greatest upset in club history; global headlines
- Draw → Forces extra time (and penalties); a massive heroic feat
- Loss → Expected outcome, but a valiant performance is the goal
FC Barcelona (La Liga):
- Win → Job done; safe passage to the Round of 16 without drama
- Draw → Unwanted extra minutes for tired legs; embarrassment
- Loss → A historic “Alcorconazo” style humiliation; crisis talk begins
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Team News
CD Guadalajara:
- Full squad likely available for the “match of their lives”
- Manager expected to field the same XI that beat Ceuta in the previous round
- No major suspensions
FC Barcelona:
- Heavy rotation expected from Hansi Flick
- Yamal L. — Out (Rest)
- Lewandowski R. — Out (Rest)
- Araujo R. — Questionable (Fitness management)
- Gavi — Available (Likely to start for match rhythm)
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
CD Guadalajara
- 13/12 — 1–3 vs Real Madrid B (League)
- 07/12 — 1–0 vs Osasuna B (League)
- 03/12 — 1–0 vs Ceuta (Copa del Rey)
- 29/11 — 1–1 vs Pontevedra (League)
- 22/11 — 2–3 vs Ath Bilbao B (League)2
FC Barcelona
- 13/12 — 2–0 vs Osasuna (La Liga)
- 10/12 — 2–1 vs Eintracht Frankfurt (UCL)
- 06/12 — 5–3 vs Real Betis (La Liga)
- 03/12 — 3–1 vs Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
- 29/11 — 3–1 vs Alaves (La Liga)
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Head-to-Head
- No previous competitive meetings found.
- This is the first official clash between the two clubs.
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
CD Guadalajara (5-4-1)
Zarroca; Cera, Gallardo, Ablanque, Marquez, Rojo; Darío Garcia, Toño Calvo, Manu Ramirez, Neskes; Morcillo
FC Barcelona (4-3-3)
Szczesny; Fort, Dominguez, Cuenca, Gerard Martin; Bernal, Casadó, Pablo Torre; Pau Victor, Ansu Fati, Fermin Lopez
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Impact Bench
CD Guadalajara: Nanclares (Midfield energy), Cañizo (Target man)
FC Barcelona: Pedri (Control if needed), Raphinha (Emergency breakdown option)
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Tactical Analysis
CD Guadalajara
The hosts will set up in a rigid low block, likely a 5-4-1, to deny Barcelona space between the lines. Their game plan will be simple: survive the initial onslaught, frustrate the La Liga giants, and look for set-pieces. The narrow pitch at Pedro Escartín could help them congest the midfield and force Barcelona wide.
FC Barcelona
Barça will dominate possession (likely 75%+). The challenge for the young “B” unit rotated into the squad will be patience. Without Lamine Yamal’s 1v1 ability, the onus falls on Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre to play quick, intricate combinations in tight spaces. Flick will demand high pressing to win the ball back instantly and prevent Guadalajara from settling into any rhythm.
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Key Battles
- Ablanque vs Ansu Fati — lower league grit vs elite talent
- Toño Calvo vs Pablo Torre — battle for midfield space
- Zarroca vs The Occasion — goalkeeper needs a 10/10 performance
- Morcillo vs Dominguez — can the lone striker bully the young center-back?
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Spotlight Players
CD Guadalajara — David Amigo (or Starting Striker)
Whoever leads the line for the hosts has the thankless task of running channels alone. However, one chance or one defensive slip from Barcelona could make him a local legend forever.
FC Barcelona — Pau Victor
The young striker is hungry for minutes. In matches like this, he needs to show he can be the long-term successor or backup to Lewandowski. His movement in the box will be key to unlocking a packed defense.
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Prediction
CD Guadalajara 0–3 FC Barcelona
While the romance of the cup is always present, Barcelona’s current form (5 straight wins) and the depth of their La Masia talent should be too much. Even a rotated Barça side possesses too much technical quality for the Fourth Tier hosts.
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Betting Insights
- FC Barcelona -2.5 Handicap — Likely
- Both Teams to Score — NO
- Over 3.5 Goals — Possible (if Barca score early)
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — Where to Watch
- Spain: Movistar+, RTVE3
- USA: ESPN+
- International: Star+ (Select Regions)
CD Guadalajara vs FC Barcelona — FAQs
Q: When is the CD Guadalajara vs Barcelona match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 21:00 CET.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It takes place at Estadio Pedro Escartín in Guadalajara.
Q: Will Lamine Yamal play?
A: It is highly unlikely. Top stars are usually rested for early Copa del Rey rounds against lower-tier opposition.
Q: How can I watch the match in Spain?
A: The match will be broadcast on Movistar+ or open-to-air on RTVE.
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