Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona forward, raised questions about the team’s head coach Xavi following the Spanish Cup round of 16 match against Unionistas de Salamanca. The report appeared on Bar Canaletes’ social media channels, capturing the Polish star’s concerns about squad selection for the fixture.
Lewandowski was vocal about his desire to see a stronger lineup for the Cup tie. He emphasized that the Cup remains the competition where Barcelona still holds real, tangible hopes of lifting silverware this season, and he believed a more robust selection could improve the club’s chances.
Xavi responded by saying he and his coaching staff carefully evaluated the available options and stood by the chosen squad after a thorough review of the situation and tactical considerations. The coach underscored that the decision was made with the team’s best interests in mind and the demands of the fixture on the players’ workload.
In the match played on January 18, Barcelona defeated Unionistas de Salamanca 3-1. The visitors opened the scoring, but Barcelona rallied with goals from Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, and Alex Balde to secure the win. With the victory, Xavi’s side advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were set to face Athletic Club in another domestic knockout clash.
In La Liga, Barcelona sits in third place on the table with 44 points. Real Madrid trails in second position, seven points behind the leaders Girona, who sit atop the standings with 52 points. The Cup showdown and league position together shape Barcelona’s path for the remainder of the season, influencing strategy and player rotation as the campaign progresses.
Meanwhile, the discussion around the Cup’s importance continues to feature prominently in club conversations and media coverage, reflecting the broader emphasis on domestic silverware as a priority alongside European competition. Earlier in the season, the Italian Super Cup had its own decisive moment, marking a notable event in the early part of the year for top teams across Europe. Such results contribute to the evolving narrative of Barcelona’s form and the decisions facing the club’s leadership and coaching staff. [Attribution: Barcelona news briefs and match reports].