Antoine Griezmann struck twice as Barcelona won 2-1 at Copa del Rey opponents UD Ibiza.
Quique Setien raised eyebrows by including just one centre-back in his starting XI, Clement Lenglet, while the rest of the back line was rounded out by Nelson Semedo, Junior Firpo and Sergi Roberto.
After impressing as a substitute against Granada over the weekend, Riqui Puig got the nod in midfield, while up front another two youngsters, Ansu Fati and Carles Perez, joined Griezmann.
The Catalan side trailed for the large majority of the contest following Ibiza’s shock opener, but goals from the French striker in the 72nd minute and then deep into second half stoppage time saved Barcelona from a Copa del Rey disaster.
Nevertheless, the overall performance from a Messi-less Barcelona will raise plenty of red flags, as new coach Setien’s side barely threatened the islanders throughout and only started to find an offensive groove once starters Jordi Alba, Arthur and Arturo Vidal were substituted on in the final half hour.
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