Barcelona Rout Copenhagen To Reach Champions League Last 16

Barcelona came from behind to defeat FC Copenhagen 4-1 on Wednesday, securing a direct qualification for the Champions League last 16 in fifth place of the league phase.

Second-half goals from Robert Lewandowski,

Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha helped Hansi Flick’s side regain control after teenager Viktor Dadason had given the Danish visitors an early lead.

Substitute Marcus Rashford sealed Barca’s victory with a late free-kick that slipped past Copenhagen goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski.

Five-time Champions League winners Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but did enough after the break to secure a top-eight league phase finish with ease.

“We all came here tonight thinking of finishing in the top eight, we’re very happy with the win,” Yamal told Movistar.

“When they score a goal against you in the Champions League, it’s very hard to come back, but the team was strong and pulled it off.”

Flick expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s start.

“I was not happy with the first half, but in the end, I think everyone — the fans, also the team — is very happy,” said the German coach.

Barcelona needed a win to avoid the play-off round but fell behind in the fourth minute. A slack pass from Jules Kounde was intercepted, allowing Dadason to run past Pau Cubarsi and fire past an exposed goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

The Spanish champions had chances to equalise, but Kotarski saved from Lewandowski and pushed away an Eric Garcia effort. Garcia then came close again with a long-range shot that hit the crossbar.

Three minutes into the second half, Lewandowski made amends for his earlier miss by equalising for Barcelona. Dani Olmo played a perfect ball down the right for Yamal, who cut it back for Lewandowski to finish.

Teenager Yamal put Barca ahead after an hour with a deflected effort from the edge of the box. His shot hit Elias Achouri and looped into the net.

Barca extended their lead when Lewandowski won a controversial penalty after minimal contact from Junnosuke Suzuki. Raphinha converted the penalty with a powerful shot that beat Kotarski.

Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, wrapped up Barcelona’s triumph with a free-kick that Kotarski couldn’t keep out. It was the England international’s fifth Champions League goal of the season, and he nearly scored a sixth when his long-range drive hit the crossbar.

“For me he’s very important, we need everyone,” said Flick. “When he’s there with his speed, his control and his finishing, it’s amazing to have him.”

Rashford said his aim was to help Barca improve their goal difference to secure qualification to the last 16.

“We didn’t know how many goals we had to score, so whatever goal we can get, I’m very happy to score this (free-kick),” Rashford told Barca One.

Copenhagen had a late goal from Gabriel Pereira disallowed for offside, finishing 31st and getting eliminated from the competition.

Barcelona fans celebrated in the stands when they heard rivals Real Madrid conceded a late goal against Benfica, preventing them from finishing in the top eight.