Nine-goal Barca enjoy King’s Cup romp

Reuters:  Barcelona, fielding a side full of youngsters from the club’s academy, routed Catalan neighbours Hospitalet to complete a 10-0 aggregate win over the third-tier side to reach the last 16 of Spain’s King’s Cup on Thursday.

Valencia also cruised through by thumping third-tier Cadiz 4-0 after drawing 0-0 at the south coast club in the away leg. Braces from Thiago Alcantara, Cristian Tello and Isaac Cuenca and one goal each from Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro thrilled the 60,000 fans at Barca’s Nou Camp, although the festival was soured slightly by a minor injury to Iniesta.

The Spain playmaker, who had to be replaced after half an hour, damaged a thigh muscle but should be fit for Barca’s next match, a La Liga game at city rivals Espanyol on January 7, the club said.

In the earlier kickoff at the Mestalla, Cadiz’s bid to upset Valencia was set back in the fifth minute when Victor Ruiz nodded the home side in front. Playmaker Jonas and striker Roberto Soldado made it 3-0 by halftime and Ever Banega added a fourth with just over 20 minutes remaining.