Cádiz Virgili 1-4 Barça: Job done and into the last 16

First step in the Copa del Rey climbed for Barça as they move on to the round of last 16. The blaugranes came through a difficult game against Virgili from Cádiz (1-4), with the home side and their supporters battling hard together throughout the tie.

Award for Catela and Matheus first off the mark

Before the match, Cádiz native Catela, who is still recovering from injury, received the "Panaderín de honor' award from his former club as recognition for his exploits.

The match then kicked off and it wasn't long before the most inspired members of the blaugranes Matheus got the first goal (0-1, min. 2). This wasn't a sign that the game was going to be easy though.

Home side respond but Matheus strikes again

The hosts reacted well, and after quick dead ball play by his teammates, Óscar Lojo got in behind the defence to score past Feixas (1-1, min. 7) and restore parity. That whipped up the crowd, while Barça were trying to go through the attacking gears, Pol Pacheco in particular. In the end, it was Matheus again with a powerful shot (1-2, min. 14) who extended the lead, with the scoreline remaining unchanged at halftime.

It was all to play for and Javi Rodríguez's side had to be very professional to see the game out. By minimising risks in defence and showing patience in attack, the blaugranes wore down the team two divisions below them, and they could have added a couple of goals more if it wasn't for the woodwork.

Pito and Joao Víctor close out the win

The two goals that brought a measure of calm came first by Pito (1-3, min. 24), before a superb goal by Joao Víctor (1-4, min. 29), meaning the final stages would now be a lot easier to manage. The home side tried valiantly to at least score one more goal for the packed house cheering them on, but ultimately Barça went through to the Copa del Rey last 16. Next up, a trip to Peñíscola for another league fixture.

MATCH STATS

Virgili Cádiz 1
Barça 4

Virgili Cádiz: Hilario, Poti, Jesulito, Carlitos, Castilla - starting five - Wallace, Óscar Lojo, Pancho, Mario Santiago, Óscar Moguel, Abraham Cintado, Joni, Raúl Álvarez and Andresito.

Barça: Miquel Feixas, Matheus, Antonio, Adolfo, Pito - starting five - Joao Víctor, Pol Pacheco, Touré, Eric Martel, Erick Mendonça, Fits, Dídac, Tapias, Gauna

Goals: 0-1, Matheus (min. 2); 1-1, Óscar Lojo (min. 7); 1-2, Matheus (min. 13); 1-3, Pito (min. 24); 1-4, Joao Víctor (29')

Referees: Juan José Cordero and Pedro Carrillo.