Barcelona delivered a commanding second-half performance at the Camp Nou to overturn an early setback and defeat FC Copenhagen 4–1, securing automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
After a nervous first half, the Catalan giants stepped up dramatically after the break, with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford sealing a crucial win and fifth-place finish in the league phase — enough to avoid the playoff round.
Early Shock and First-Half Frustration
Barcelona’s worst fears materialized just four minutes into the match when Copenhagen capitalized on a defensive lapse.
A swift move ended with Dadason finishing calmly past Joan García, silencing the Camp Nou.
Despite dominating possession, Barça struggled with accuracy and composure.
Lewandowski missed a rare one-on-one chance, Eric García struck the crossbar, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was the only consistent attacking threat as the hosts went into halftime trailing 1–0.
Flick’s Tactical Shift Sparks Turnaround
Head coach Hansi Flick made key adjustments at the break, introducing Marc Bernal and repositioning Dani Olmo as the team’s creative hub. The impact was immediate.
Three minutes into the second half, Olmo threaded a perfect pass to Lamine Yamal, who squared the ball for Lewandowski to tap home the equalizer in the 48th minute.
Goals Flow as Barcelona Take Control
With momentum fully on their side, Barcelona pressed relentlessly. In the 60th minute, Lamine Yamal curled a shot that deflected into the net to give Barça the lead.
Nine minutes later, Lewandowski was fouled in the box, and Raphinha confidently converted the resulting penalty to make it 3–1.
Copenhagen were effectively finished, and although Pau Cubarsí hit the post late on, the scoring was capped off in style when Marcus Rashford fired in a free-kick in the 85th minute to complete a dominant comeback.
Barcelona Avoid Playoffs, Eyes Knockout Stage
The victory ensures Barcelona finish fifth in the Champions League league phase, achieving their main objective of avoiding an additional knockout tie.
After an inconsistent European campaign, the Blaugrana showed maturity, depth, and attacking firepower when it mattered most.
Match Details
Barcelona:
Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín (Araujo 72’), Balde; Eric García (Marc Bernal 46’), Dani Olmo (Rashford 72’), Fermín López (Casadó 79’); Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski (Ferran Torres 81’), Raphinha.
Copenhagen:
Kotarski; Meling, Hatzidiakos, Gabriel Pereira, López; J. Larsson, Suzuki, Clem, Achouri; Elyounoussi, Dadason.
Goals:
- 4’ Dadason (Copenhagen)
- 48’ Lewandowski
- 60’ Lamine Yamal
- 69’ Raphinha (penalty)
- 85’ Rashford
