Copa del Rey doesn’t receive as much importance as it deserves. Attendance tends to be poor in spite of the fact that this annual competition offers memorable matches. They’re the most dynamic, emotional, and spectacular matches you’re ever likely to see. Just think about it. The greatest Spanish football teams ever step into the front lines and fight for the crown. Perhaps the first round of the Copa del Rey will revive people’s interest. 

FC Barcelona have the honor of kick starting Copa del Rey’s Round of 32, continuing their pursuit for another treble. Until now, Barça’s first experience in La Copa has been a positive one. The question now is: Will the trend continue? We couldn’t say. You’ll have to see for yourself. Here we’ll leave you some info if you want to see the Blaugrana’s Copa del Rey match at Ibiza.

The facts about UD Ibiza, Barça’s rival in the Copa del Rey

UD Ibiza was established in 2015, so it’s a relatively new addition to the sports landscape. Not many know that the Spanish football club is the successor of Unión Deportiva Ibiza-Eivissa, which dates back to 1956. Unión Deportiva Ibiza has never managed to rise above the Segunda B Division. Maybe not, but they are one tier away from professional football. UD Ibiza are now third behind Atlético Madrid B and Atlético Baleares. It’s worth mentioning the impressive win over Rayo Majadahonda in the Group 1 matches.

Needless to say, FC Barcelona are favorites in the official clash. One of the world’s best football teams, the Blaugrana are technically peerless, so as to say. Yes, but Unión Deportiva Ibiza will give their best on the pitch. They take their football very seriously. Barça may have the glitz and glamour of international football with the Champion’s League, but Copa del Rey makes teams humbler.

Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets won’t be playing

Unfortunately, Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets won’t be playing in the Copa del Rey match. Quique Setien decided to let them rest. He’s not going to take risks, so the aforementioned players will take no part in FC Barcelona’s Copa del Rey last 32 clash with Ibiza. Even so, the Blaugrana is expected to win comfortably. The only issues the Spanish football team could face are the unpredictable weather and artificial pitch.

It’s too soon for football analysis. All we can say is that there will be changes in the format as the team can’t rely on sheer luck. Young stars, as well as those who haven’t gotten the chance to play too much, will have the chance to show what they’ve got. Setien can’t count on Luis Suarez, who’s been out for a couple of months due to a knee injury. Ousmane Dembele may be part of the team’s recovery session, but he’s not completely recovered from the hamstring injury. Is there anyone else? Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been struggling with a groin injury, so there’s no way of knowing if he’ll be available for the match.

Could FC Barcelona face elimination for technical reasons?

Being eliminated from Copa del Rey against Ibiza is the worst imaginable. Yet, it could happen. FC Barcelona should have 7+1 first-team players on Estadio Can Missesin. The thing is that Barça have chosen only 5 second division players in their squad against Unión Deportiva Ibiza, therefore, breaking the rules if one of the first-team players happens to be sent off. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo believes this scenario is highly likely.