FC Barcelona fought back from an early setback to thrash FC Copenhagen 4–1 and secure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16, finishing fifth in the league phase on Wednesday.
Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the second half turned the match around after teenager Viktor Dadason had given the Danish side a surprise early lead. Substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the win late on with a free-kick that slipped past Copenhagen goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski.
Barcelona, five-time Champions League winners, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but took full control after the break to secure a top-eight finish and avoid the play-off round.
ALSO READ | Why AIFF and ISL clubs are talking again after years of silence: Explained
“We all came here tonight thinking of finishing in the top eight, we're very happy with the win,” Yamal told Movistar. He added,“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.”
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick admitted he was unhappy with the opening stages.Flick said,“I was not happy with the first half, but in the end, I think everyone, the fans, also the team, is very happy,”
Barcelona fell behind as early as the fourth minute after a loose pass from Jules Kounde was intercepted, allowing Dadason to run in behind Pau Cubarsi and fire past goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Barca missed chances to equalise before the break, with Kotarski denying Lewandowski and Eric Garcia, while Garcia also struck the crossbar from distance.
Three minutes into the second half, Lewandowski made amends by drawing Barcelona level after Dani Olmo played a precise pass to Yamal, who squared for the Polish striker to finish. Yamal then put Barca ahead after an hour with a deflected effort that looped into the net.
ALSO READ | 'Big game, big watch', Tom Brady dons $650K Patek Philippe Aquanaut at NFC Championship
Rashford caps comeback
Raphinha extended the lead from the penalty spot after Lewandowski went down following minimal contact from Junnosuke Suzuki. Rashford wrapped up the victory with a free-kick late on, his fifth Champions League goal of the season.
“For me he's very important, we need everyone,” Flick said of Rashford. “When he's there with his speed, his control and his finishing, it's amazing to have him.”
Rashford said his aim was to boost Barcelona’s goal difference.“We didn't know how many goals we have to score, so whatever goal we can take, we get, I'm very happy to score this (free-kick),” he told Barca One.
Copenhagen finished 31st and were eliminated from the competition, with a late Gabriel Pereira goal ruled out for offside. Barcelona fans also celebrated after learning rivals Real Madrid conceded late against Benfica and failed to finish in the top eight.
