A 42^nd minute thunderbolt from Andres Iniesta proved enough to see Barcelona past modest third division rivals CE L’Hospitalet in the blaugrana’s first Copa del Rey match of the season.

The game was moved up several weeks due to Barcelona’s participation in the Club World Cup next month.  With the team travelling back and forth from Japan in December, Pep Guardiola knew the importance of getting a definitive result away from home.

“I don’t know how we’ll come back from Japan,” said the Catalan coach.  “That’s why it is so important for us to do well in this first leg.”

The manager showed due respect for the opposition, fielding regulars Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Cesc and Puyol, alongside fringe players and B-team youngsters Dos Santos and Tello, with the 20-year old making his debut appearance for the senior squad.

Barcelona struggled to control the rhythm in the opening minutes against a motivated Segunda B side with nothing to lose.  The Viale brothers, along with Peque and Moussa Bandeh defended strongly, preventing Barca from generating clear-cut chances in attack.

David Villa had one of the best efforts of the first half, forcing a one-handed save from Moragon early on, but the keeper did well to parry away the strike for a corner.

Lucas Viale would test Pinto moments later, sending his free-kick on target and forcing a double save from the Gaditano.

Unable to pass their way through, Barca began resorting to long range efforts from Keita and Cesc, but neither were able to perforate the wall put up by the L’Hopitalet keeper.

It would take an unstoppable strike to break the deadlock and Andres Iniesta would not disappoint, collecting the ball in the 42^nd minute, turning one defender at the edge of the area and unleashing an absolute missile into the upper left corner.

The screamer was the only shot to escape the hands of Moragon on the night and would prove just enough for Guardiola’s men.

Puyol nearly doubled the lead just one minute later off a corner kick, but his header collided into the side of Keita’s temple and was sent crashing off the post.

L’Hospitalet came close to leveling as the second half kicked off, with Marc Pedraza sending Peque’s cross flashing inches wide of the post.

Busquets entered for goal-scorer Iniesta, helping Barcelona to settle the game by slowing things down.

Cesc was guilty of missing a golden opportunity in the 65^th minute after a wonderful combination with Keita saw him unmarked in front of an open net, but the former Arsenal man inexplicably sent his shot wide from close range.

A free-kick from David Villa in the 76^th obliged another fine save from Moragon, as Barca continued their fruitless search for a second away goal.

Cesc would give way moments later to Thiago Alcantara’s younger brother Rafinha, as the 18-year old canterano became the 21^st youth team player to debut for Guardiola’s Barcelona side.

L’Hospitalet’s best chance of the night came in the 81^st minute, as Haro picked the pocket of Maxwell in midfield and started the counter.  A through ball found Aday alone in front of Pinto, but the reserve keeper dove high to make a remarkable one-handed save, denying a crowd of 2,500 at the Estadi La Feixa Llarga the goal they desired.

Villa would try one last time with a left footed strike from inside the box, but his shot was unable to beat Moragon at the near post.

Barcelona would finish 1-0 victors thanks to an authentic golazo from Andres Iniesta, allowing the Catalans to approach the return leg on December 21^st at the Camp Nou with the confidence of an away goal advantage.

 

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Anson Woodring.  Follow Anson on Twitter at @ansonwoodring.

Full match highlights:

Hospitalet – Barcelona Copa del Rey Highlights… by iNfRaS0NiC