Marcus Rashford netted a goal as Barcelona rallied to defeat Copenhagen and achieve direct advancement to the Champions League’s round of 16.
The Manchester United forward on loan scored a stunning free-kick, bringing his total to five goals in the competition this season while securing Barcelona’s position in the top eight.
Hansi Flick’s team placed fifth in the league standings, whereas Copenhagen ended up 31st, failing to secure a play-off spot.
Barcelona appeared unsettled in the first half and might have faced play-offs as Mohamed Elyounoussi seized the ball near the center line and set up 17-year-old Viktor Dadason to score in the fourth minute.
The hosts pelted Copenhagen’s goal with attempts for the rest of the first half but failed to secure the equaliser and, for the fifth time in this Champions League edition, Flick’s team was behind at the interval.
Barcelona took only three minutes into the second half to level the score when Lamine Yamal passed the ball to Robert Lewandowski, who scored from close range – marking the veteran’s 107th goal in the Champions League.
Teenager Yamal subsequently scored himself, bending towards the upper corner from the penalty area’s edge and finding the goal through a significant deflection.
Poland forward Lewandowski was subsequently fouled by Junnosuke Suzuki while attempting his shot, and captain Raphinha smoothly scored from the penalty spot.
Rashford’s goal 10 minutes after entering as a substitute secured a comfortable victory for the leaders of the Spanish league.
Copenhagen had a late goal disallowed for offside but found it difficult to cope with Barcelona’s heightened intensity in the second half and will regret not finishing in the play-off spots after taking an early lead
