da premier bet： The former Leeds man momentarily silenced his critics by providing two crucial moments of quality to ensure a victory

da heads bet： Raphinha was the sole constant in a chaotic contest between Barcelona and Barbastro, with the Brazilian winger scoring one and setting up another as the La Liga side edged the fourth division hosts 3-2.

This was never going to be an easy one. Barbastro packed their stadium to the brim, and a messy playing surface made things as tricky as possible.

Still, Barca's dominance in possession was apparent from the outset. Raphinha and Ferran Torres both came close, but it was Fermin Lopez who opened the scoring. The Spaniard finished a well-worked move, having been handed a simple tap-in from Raphinha after a smart cut-back.

The Blaugrana had the ball in the net again, shortly before half time, only for Joao Felix to see his goal dubiously ruled out. But the linesman didn't get involved early in the second half, when Raphinha snuck in at the back post to make it 2-0 with a tidy poke.

Barbastro pulled one back from a corner, with Adria de Mesa reacting first to a bobbling ball in the Barca goalmouth. And for a brief passage, the home side looked as if they might level proceedings. But Barca did enough to see them off. A late Robert Lewandowski penalty gave the Blaugrana an insurmountable lead – one a stoppage time spot-kick from Marc Prat couldn't overturn.

Questions will be continue to be asked about Xavi, but the win – however awkward – is hard to knock.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadio Municipal de Deportes…

Getty Images Goalkeeper & Defence

Inaki Pena (6/10):

Would have been better used counting the blades of grass in his penalty area. That is, until he had a ball smashed past him. Could do little to save the penalty.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Charged with getting forward a bit more than usual, and made things happen with a few dangerous deliveries. Shaky at the other end for a bit. He's out of sorts, at the moment.

Ronald Araujo (8/10):

Class, as usual. Won his tackles, good in the air, and ensured that Barbastro had admittedly little to get excited about.

Andreas Christensen (7/10):

Composed on the ball. Completed the most passes of anyone on the pitch, a good few of which went into the final third. His side was the more exploitable of the two, though.

Hector Fort (6/10):

A solid showing from a youngster who deserves a look – especially given the poor form of Alejandro Balde. Had a harder time after the break, when Barbastro had more of a go.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Oriol Romeu (4/10):

A puzzling selection, given the contest. Barca really didn't need a defensive midfielder. Romeu showed exactly why. Slow in space, lost the ball a lot. Really poor.

Fermin Lopez (7/10):

Buried the opener – he couldn't really miss. An otherwise energetic showing. He's well-suited for these games.

Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

A bit loose in possession by his usual standards. His pass completion percentage fell below his season average, and he looked slightly uneasy playing so far forward. Made up for it with his play at the other end, where he was immense defensively.

Getty ImagesAttack

Raphinha (8/10):

A bit mixed, as per usual. Missed a big chance, made some poor decisions. But he was there in the key moments, assisting Barca's first and scoring the second.

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Disappointing from the backup striker, who was handed a chance to shine. Never really got involved, missed a couple of chances.

Joao Felix (6/10):

Impactful when he was on the ball, made things happen with neat passes and darting moves. Had a goal incorrectly ruled out. Questions remain about his long-term fitness, but he was important here.

Subs & Manager

Vitor Roque (6/10):

Missed a good chance, but was always willing to run.

Inigo Martinez (N/A):

Brought on, then subbed off with an injury.

Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

Scored from the spot, but should have had two more.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

His late introduction gave Barca valuable control.

Sergi Roberto (N/A):

Late legs for Martinez.

Xavi (6/10):

Could he really win here? The Blaugrana manager would be criticised if his side didn't win by enough, and lambasted if they lost. Instead, he had to settle for a narrow victory. He's still looking uneasy at the helm, but Barca are in the next round.