A Sandro hat-trick helped Barcelona to ease past Villanovense 6-1 and progress to the fifth round of the Copa del Rey this evening.
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The holders were overwhelming favourites against their third-tier opponents, and made the perfect start after just four minutes as Dani Alves caught Villanovense keeper Jose Fuentes off his line before volleying into the net from outside the penalty area.
Barca looked to be in complete control of the tie, adding a second goal on 20 minutes when young forward Sandro capitalised on a mistake from Fuentes by finding the net.
Barca could have added a quickfire third goal when Alves tested Fuentes with an acrobatic effort, while Jeremy Mathieu set up Thomas Vermaelen moments later, only for the centre-back to fire high and wide from close range.
The visitors pulled a goal back against the run of play nine minutes later, as forward Juan Guarnido found himself in space outside the penalty box before firing past Barca keeper Jordi Masip.
Hopes of an unlikely comeback were dashed just two minutes later though, as Sandro connected with Aitor's precise through-ball to add his second goal of the night.
The hosts continued to dominate proceedings after the break, and waited just six minutes before adding their first goal of the half, as Munir El Haddadi rose highest to meet a Mathieu cross and head past Fuentes.
Villanovense almost pulled back a second goal with a swift counter-attack, as Guarnido was picked out in a good position, only for the striker to drag his effort wide.
Barca made their opponents pay for their missed chance on 69 minutes, as Sandro completed his hat-trick from close range following a defensive mix-up.
Munir added a sixth goal for Luis Enrique's side moments later, as Sandro drew Fuentes off his line before teeing up the Spain international for a simple finish.
The 20-year-old almost completed a hat-trick before the final whistle from a right-wing cross, but Munir was unable to reach the delivery, leaving the score at 6-1 to the holders.
Stephen Topping
