Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona: 5 talking points as Blaugrana secure comeback victory | Copa del Rey 2020-21 

Late goals from Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong helped Barcelona pick up a 2-1 victory away to Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey.

The visitors dominated proceedings from start to finish and thrice struck the frame of the goal through De Jong, Riqui Puig and Messi.

Vallecano, however, went ahead against the run of play in the 63rd minute. Barcelona goalkeeper Neto failed to deal with a low cross into the area, allowing Fran Garcia to bundle over from close range.

This prompted Ronald Koeman into action, and he almost instantly made three changes, with Jordi Alba, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele coming on for Riqui Puig, Junior Firpo and Trincao respectively.

Rather than protect their lead, the hosts went in search of a second goal and were duly punished when the returning Lionel Messi scored to level matters 20 minutes from time.

Barcelona went ahead 10 minutes later when Frenkie de Jong converted an excellent center by Jordi Alba to complete the comeback.

The win sees the Blaugrana progress to the quarterfinal of the cup competition. Here, we shall have a rundown of five talking points from the game.

#5 Barcelona keep trophy hopes alive

Barcelona have slim hopes of winning trophies elsewhere

In the build-up to the game, Ronald Koeman stated that his intention was to win the Copa del Rey, and this was reflected in his very strong starting line-up.

Barcelona are record winners of this competition, with 30 triumphs in the past. However, beyond heritage, the Copa del Rey might represent their best hope for a trophy this season.

They currently sit 10 points behind Atletico Madrid (who have a game in hand) in La Liga, while they look some way off the levels required to win the UEFA Champions League.

Considering that the club finished last year trophyless, it would be a travesty of epic proportions if they were to fail to win another trophy this season.

However, this victory over Rayo Vallecano means that Barcelona are still in the hunt for a major trophy this term.

The eliminations of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the earlier rounds install the Blaugrana as favourites for the trophy, and their victory here takes them one step closer to a 31st triumph.

#4 Even in defeat, Rayo Vallecano can hold their heads high

Rayo Vallecano gave their all against Barcelona

Despite playing on home turf, Rayo Vallecano were overwhelming underdogs to progress from this tie.

However, Barcelona's indifferent form in recent weeks might have given them a slim hope of making the last eight.

This was not to be the case, as the visitors dominated possession to secure their spot in the quarter-final.

Despite the loss, Vallecano brought their A-game to the fore against their more illustrious opponents. They had just 31% possession but still managed to fashion five shots on target.

Although the La Liga 2 side got eliminated on home soil, they were more than an able match for Barcelona. Their lack of fear in choosing to go for the kill when they were ahead also underlined the quality of their performance.

#3 Frenkie de Jong continues fine run of form for Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong scored the winning goal

Frenkie de Jong has been one of the standout players for Barcelona since the run of the year. He put up another convincing display at the Campo de fútbol de Vallecas.

The Netherlands international came into this game having scored three goals and provided two assists in his last five games in all competitions.

After a first half that saw him hit the bar and shoot narrowly wide, De Jong got on the scoresheet in the 80th minute, when he converted a routine cutback from Jordi Alba to put Barcelona 2-1 up.

The 23-year-old also had a hand in the opening goal, setting up Antoine Griezmann after the hosts had been caught on the break.

Overall, it was another comprehensive performance from Frenkie de Jong, and he continued his fine run of form in front of goal.

#2 Ronald Koeman makes a difference from the bench

Ronald Koeman made some inspired substitutions

Ronald Koeman's managerial career at Barcelona has been a bit haphazard to this point, with many accusing him of lacking a clear-cut philosophy.

As already mentioned, the former Everton manager named a very strong starting line-up, with Neto, Piqui Puig and Junior Firpo the only non-regulars.

However, his side went behind against the run of play, and Koeman swiftly swung into action in a bid to swing the tide.

His changes seemed to make an instant impact, as Barcelona went ahead less than two minutes later.

One of his introductions, Jordi Alba, also had a direct hand in a goal, setting Frenkie de Jong up for the match-winner.

The victory means that Barcelona will be present for the quarter-final draws on Friday, and Koeman can pat himself on the back for a bunch on inspired changes.

#1 Lionel Messi returns from suspension to make a difference on record-breaking appearance

Lionel Messi returned from suspension with a goal

Lionel Messi's red card in the final of the Supercopa de Espana saw him receive a two-match suspension.

This ruled him out of the La Liga clash with Elche as well as last week's Copa del Rey win away to Cornella.

He was, however, handed a start against Rayo Vallecano, marking his 76th appearance in the Copa del Rey to make him Barcelona's record appearance-maker in the competition.

The 33-year-old marked the occasion with a customary goal, converting from close range after he had been teed up by Antoine Griezmann.

He was also the architect for his side's second goal. It was his delightful pass that set Jordi Alba on his way down the left flank in a move that has become almost second nature.

The goal and assist took Lionel Messi to 21 goals involvements from 23 matches in all competitions for Barcelona, which signified his ultra-importance to the club's success.