Ceuta – Barcelona

Barcelona will establish their dominance already in the first half

Barcelona will play another away game in the King's Cup on Thursday, January 19. The Catalans were very lucky with the lottery. The opponents in the 1/8 finals were the weakest in the competition. Barcelona play against the worst team in the Spanish third league, Ceuta. Xavi's side travel in fine spirits straight from Saudi Arabia. The players have won the King's Super Cup. It is the first trophy with a new coach. Barcelona had a very tough semi-final against Betis, but in the decisive match, there was no doubt about their superiority over Real. The victory came surprisingly easy. Midfielder Gavi showed once again why he is considered one of the top talents in world football. The 18-year-old was involved in all of his team's goals. At the same time, against Ceuta, there will be chances for other performers. The key players are unlikely to be involved, with the exception of Robert Lewandowski. The Pole is currently out of suspension for the Spanish championship, so there is no point in saving energy. Robert is likely to take to the pitch, which significantly increases the visitors' attacking potential. Otherwise, a chance for the reserves. Depay, Kessier, Torres and new young talents. At the last stage of the King's Cup, Xavi fielded a fairly strong line-up at the Intercity. The Catalans managed to concede three goals but still made it through. Now the approach is sure to be more serious, although the opponent is even weaker. Ceuta are in last place in their league and risk relegation already in the fourth division. The cup tournament, on the other hand, marked a historic campaign. Nothing extraordinary happened, but the team did beat La Liga representatives Elche at the last stage of the cup. The worst club in the top flight failed on the road. In the end, a minimal victory for Ceuta was recorded. Any kind of serious fight in this match is out of the question. The home team odds are already up to 40.00. Barcelona can win by a wide margin, but it is unlikely that they would like to take on a modest opponent. It is possible that the Catalans will avoid unnecessary nerves this time and put the emphasis on the reserves in the first half. We can see a scenario in which the favourites will score two or three goals before the break and then conserve their energy. Everyone has accumulated a certain fatigue from the busy schedule. There is no point in overcoming oneself in this match. Ceuta have a relatively open style of play for an outsider, but a bold approach to facing Barcelona is unlikely.