Barcelona Edge Brave Barbastro To Reach Copa Del Rey Last 16

Barcelona reached the last 16 of the Copa del Rey but were given a scare by fourth-tier Barbastro in an entertaining 3-2 win on Sunday. The record 31-time winners took a two-goal lead through Fermin Lopez and Raphinha, before Adria de Mesa pulled one back for the hard-working hosts. Substitute Robert Lewandowski netted from the spot for the Spanish champions but Marc Prat smashed in a late penalty for the hosts, who refused to give up. "It seemed like the match was over, (but) these games always get complicated," Barca coach Xavi told Movistar.

"It's a positive result, our play was positive in many moments, and we're in the last 16."

Barcelona took the lead early on when Frenkie de Jong chipped a ball over the top for Raphinha and Lopez arrived in the box at the perfect moment to tuck away the Brazilian's low cut-back.

Joao Felix headed in the second from a Lopez cross but was left fuming when it was disallowed for offside.

Replays indicated the forward was not in an illegal position, but video reviews are not used in the Copa del Rey until the last 16.

"I don't understand why there isn't VAR in this competition, even though these are lower level grounds," added Xavi.

Barbastro goalkeeper Arnau Fabrega saved free-kicks from Felix and Raphinha as the visitors dominated as expected at the 5,000 seater stadium.

Raphinha doubled Barcelona's lead from close range early in the second half after young defender Hector Fort whipped in a deep, swirling cross to him at the back post.

Former Barca youth player De Mesa pulled Barbastro back into the game just before the hour mark, prodding home from close range during a scramble in the box from a corner.

Xavi reacted by sending on 18-year-old Brazil striker Vitor Roque, recently