KEY POINTS

  • Barca defeated AD Ceuta 5-0 in Copa del Rey
  • Barca have qualified for Copa del Rey's quarter-final
  • Their next game is a league fixture against Getafe

FC Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has showered praise on Robert Lewandowski after their side progressed to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona thrashed AD Ceuta 5-0 in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey at Alfonso Murube Stadium on Thursday. Lewandowski scored a brace, while the other goals were scored by Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Franck Kessie.

"I emphasize the attitude of the team above all. It's very important and we had the experience the other day against Intercity. It cost us, but in the second half, we were very good. It's not easy coming to play at these grounds," said Xavi after Barcelona's 5-0 victory.

Lewandowski, who received a red card during Barcelona's 2-1 win over Osasuna in La Liga in November, is currently on a three-match league suspension. Xavi decided to start the Polish striker against AD Ceuta and it paid off as the player added two more goals to his tally.

"Lewandowski has shown today that he's a tremendous professional, with the same attitude as in the final," Xavi told reporters.

Lewandowski, who moved from Bayern Munich to Barcelona in the summer of 2022, has netted 22 goals and provided five assists in 23 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona. He also scored a goal and set up another one in Barcelona's 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final last weekend.

Robert Lewandowski scored twice but Barcelona are on the brink of a second straight group-stage exit
AFP

Meanwhile, Barcelona will possibly lose Dutch forward Memphis Depay, who is expected to join Atletico Madrid on a two-year contract. Xavi revealed he would like to bring in a replacement in the ongoing winter window.

"It wouldn't be a tragedy if no one came (in), but I would like to strengthen the squad," he said.

Barcelona are three points clear at the top of the 2022-23 La Liga table. The Catalans' next two games are league fixtures – the first one against Getafe on Sunday at Camp Nou before they hit the road to face off against Girona on Jan. 28.

Soccer