The La Liga leaders will be traveling to the Spanish Province in Africa in order to book their spot in the quarter finals of the king's cup.
It's been a positive 2023 so far for FC Barcelona. Moving up 3 points at the top of the table and winning the Spanish super cup will generate positive feelings in the squad and it's expected that they carry that to Ceuta, 12 hours away from home, where they play the only non- top flight team remaining in the competition.
Ceuta have been abysmal in the third division, sitting last in the table, but they've had an excellent cup campaign so far overcoming Utrera, Ibiza and Elche to reach this stage. Against Barcelona however, the biggest game they'll probably ever play, Ceuta know they have a mountain to climb but will gain hope from Intercity's brave showing to put on one of their own.
INTERESTING STATS
- Ceuta and Barcelona have faced off thrice in the Copa Del Rey, with the Blaugrana winning all the games by an aggregate of 10-1. Ceuta have failed to score against Barcelona in both of their home clashes so far.
- Ceuta have never gotten past the Round of 16 round of the Copa Del Rey. This is their most successful campaign in the competition so far.
- Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of the Copa Del Rey, winning the trophy 31 times.
- Barcelona are also the side with the most finals appearances in the competition. They have made the showpiece event 42 times.
-Barcelona are only one of three teams to win the competition four years in a row. They are also the only club to do so in the post-World War II era.
TEAM NEWS
Ceuta
Jose Juan Romero has a fully fit squad at his disposal and should retain faith in his 4-2-3-1 system. Leandro Montagud should start in goal behind the back four of Alain Garcia Fernandez, Juan Gutierrez Martinez, Robin Lafarge and Alejandro Macias Sanchez.
Adri Cuevas and Alberto Reina Campos will be tasked with anchoring the midfield, providing the base for Antonio Manuel Gonzalez Gomez, Jose Manuel Lopez Plaza and Liberto Beltran to get forward when needed.
Rodri Rios should lead the line and will act as the attack’s spearhead.
Barcelona
With a fullt fit sqaud at his disposal, Xavi is expected to rotate massively. Pena will replace Marc Andre TerStegen in goal, Hector Bellerin, Eric Garcia, Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba are expected to return the starting lineup at the back.
Pablo Torre and Franck Kessie are also expected to start, along with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who are set to miss the next 2 La Liga games. Ansu Fati and Raphinha are also expected to feature after being largely rested against Real Madrid.
Ángel Alarcón from Barca Athletic has traveled with the squad. A left winger / centre forward, he could end up being the ideal replacement for the departed Memphis Depay.
When and where is AD Ceuta vs FC Barcelona played?
City: Ceuta
Stadium: Alfonso Murube
Day and time: Thursday, January 19 . 8:00 p.m. Spain, 1:00 p.m. Mexico, 4:00 p.m. Argentina, 8pm 🇳🇬
Referee: TBD
VAR: TBD
This is the easiest draw Barcelona could've gotten, given the teams that were left in the competition. As long as they improve on their errors against Intercity, this should be a walk in the park for Xavi's men.
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