Pep Guardiola opted to keep most of his first team starters back in Barcelona for Tuesday’s match against AD Ceuta in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup. The decision gave the opportunity for Bartra, Fontas, Jeffren and Thiago all the chance to get a rare start for the first team.

With Bojan Krkic sporting the captains band FC Barcelona looked to get off to a quick start on offense. He did but it came on an assist, playing a give and go with Maxwell who overcome the tight angle and sent the ball past the Ceuta keeper in minute 16.

FC Barcelona was off and running against a clearly overmatched Ceuta side.

Nine minutes later Maxwell was on the opposite side of Barcelona’s scoring when he sent in a cross to a streaking Thiago but a Ceuta defender took him down. Luckily, Pedro was coming down the right side and was able to collect the cross and beat the keeper.

Up by two goals and approaching halftime things were going just as planned until the 30th minute when Jeffren went down in what looked like a soft tackle but he fell oddly on his shoulder. Immediately it was apparent that something serious happened as he immediately signaled for the trainer showing obvious concern on his face. Nolito was sent in to replace Jeffren who was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation.

The second half was played a lot more hectic as both sides struggled to put together passes. It was obvious for Barcelona that the squad had not played much together as opportunities were few and far between.

Ceuta was unable to overcome the two goal lead and came very close to going down by three late in the match but Bojan was unable to capitalize on a breakaway sending the ball over the crossbar. It was a tough night for Bojan who was given the opportunity to shine but came up well short with a very unimpressive performance.

The return leg will be played at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, November 10.

Full match highlights here