Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barca: De Jong finds the path into quarters
Frenkie did it again and kept up his fine recent goals streak while Messi netted on his comeback
Frenkie de Jong did the business, again, and Lionel Messi netted on his comeback from injury, as Barcelona overturned Rayo Vallecano to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The Dutch midfielder grabbed the winner from close range after Messi had turned home Antoine Griezmann’s pass to cancel out Fran Garcia’s opener.
Riqui Puig was handed a start in midfield ahead of Pedri and Trincao given time on the right wing in place of Ousmane Dembele as Koeman shuffled his pack.
It wasn’t a performance to write home about for the Catalans but they got the job done.
Messi was quiet on his comeback after suspension but grew when Barcelona needed him to.
Neto could not stop Alvaro’s cross and Fran struck from a yard out to break the deadlock against the run of play after 63 minutes.
Messi levelled six minutes later before De Jong grabbed the winner after 80 minutes, having already hit the crossbar and had a goal disallowed for offside.
Not the best night but another win on the road and Barcelona stay alive in the competition.
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