The lights of the Spotify Camp Nou shone bright on Wednesday as FC Barcelona dismantled FC Copenhagen in a 4-1 victory.
Hansi Flick’s men entered the night needing a definitive result to lock in a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase, and they delivered with style.
The Blaugrana’s path to the last-16 was paved by goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, before a late Marcus Rashford free-kick put the icing on the cake.
While Copenhagen provided early resistance, the sheer individual brilliance in the Catalan ranks eventually overwhelmed the visitors, ensuring Barcelona bypass the play-off round in March.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Joan Garcia (6.0)
The goalkeeper remained concentrated throughout the 90 minutes. While he was powerless to stop the opening goal, he produced several vital saves to keep the visitors at bay. He was particularly sharp in his one-on-one situations, showing great reflexes even on plays that were eventually whistled for offside.
Jules Kounde (6.5)
Kounde provided a reliable presence on the right, though he appeared a bit sluggish in his defensive recovery at times. However, his offensive contribution was significant, as his overlapping runs served as a perfect distraction to grant Lamine Yamal more room to operate.
Pau Cubarsi (7.0)
It was a game of two halves for the teenage prodigy. After a shaky start where he could have done more to prevent the conceded goal, he matured as the match progressed. He became a rock in the second half and was unlucky not to score at the other end with a stinging effort.
Gerard Martin (7.0)
Following a nervous opening period defined by a few stray passes, Martin settled into his rhythm nicely. He dominated his individual duels on the flank and showed marked improvement in his distribution as the game wore on, turning in a very respectable performance.
Alejandro Balde (7.0)
Balde’s influence grew exponentially in the second half. After a relatively quiet first 45 minutes, he unleashed his trademark explosiveness, stretching the Copenhagen defense and providing the width that allowed Barcelona’s creative players to find gaps in the middle.
Eric Garcia (6.5)
The Spaniard was industrious in the first half, winning the majority of his physical battles and nearly finding the back of the net. He was sacrificed early in the second half as Flick looked to inject more attacking flair into the midfield to break the deadlock.
Dani Olmo (8.0)
Olmo was the definition of “slow and steady” in this encounter. After a subdued start, he became the primary architect of the win in the second period, threading a world-class pass through the heart of the defense to spark the move for the opening goal.
Lamine Yamal (9.0)
An absolute masterclass from the teenage sensation. Yamal was everywhere, showing maturity beyond his years to provide a selfless assist for Lewandowski before finding his own goal with the help of a deflection. He later won a penalty with a mesmerizing cross, leaving the crowd in awe.
Fermin Lopez (7.5)
Lopez was a tireless engine in the Barcelona midfield. While perhaps not his most flashy night, his constant pressing forced Copenhagen into numerous mistakes. He was rewarded for his industry with a well-earned assist for Yamal’s goal.
Raphinha (8.0)
The Brazilian captain epitomized perseverance. Despite struggling with his final ball for long stretches of the game, his work rate never dipped. He stepped up under immense pressure to bury his penalty, effectively ending any hopes of a Copenhagen comeback.
Robert Lewandowski (8.0)
The veteran striker was in the right place at the right time to tap home the opener following great work from Yamal. His clever movement in the box also drew the foul that resulted in the penalty, proving once again his vital importance to this frontline.
Substitutes
Marc Bernal (6.5): His introduction was a turning point. He brought a sense of calm and technical security to the midfield, allowing Barcelona to dictate the tempo and see out the game with total authority.
Marcus Rashford (7.0): Made an instant impact with his blistering pace and energy. He topped off a brilliant cameo by curling a spectacular free-kick directly into the net.
Ronald Araujo (6.0): Came on to bolster the defense in the closing stages and ensured there were no late scares for the home side.
Marc Casado (N/A): Introduced late and had little opportunity to influence the play.
Ferran Torres (N/A): A very brief appearance as the clock wound down.