Marcus Rashford scored as Barcelona came from behind to beat Copenhagen and secure direct progression to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The on-loan Manchester United forward’s sumptuous free-kick marked his fifth goal in the competition this season and made sure of Barcelona’s place in the top eight.
Hansi Flick’s side finished fifth in the league table while Copenhagen missed out on a play-off place, finishing 31st.
Barcelona looked troubled in the first half and could have been heading for the play offs after Mohamed Elyounoussi picked up the ball near the halfway line and slotted through for 17-year-old Viktor Dadason to poke home in the fourth minute.
The hosts peppered Copenhagen’s goal with shots for the remainder of the first half but could not find the equaliser and, for the fifth time in this Champions League campaign, Flick’s side trailed at the break.
But Barcelona needed just three second-half minutes to restore parity as Lamine Yamal shifted the ball across for Robert Lewandowski to fire home from close range – the veteran’s 107th Champions League goal.
Teenager Yamal then found the net himself, curling towards the top corner from the edge of the penalty box and scoring by way of a heavy deflection.
Poland striker Lewandowski was then clipped by Junnosuke Suzuki while trying to get his shot away and captain Raphinha calmly converted from the spot.
And Rashford’s goal 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute made sure the victory was a comfortable one for the Spanish league leaders.
Copenhagen had a late goal ruled out for offside but struggled with Barcelona’s increased intensity in the second half and will feel disappointed not to have finished inside the play-off places having taken the early lead.
BBC