Match Preview for Racing Santander v Barcelona
La Liga leaders Barcelona make the journey to El Sardinero on Thursday evening to face Segunda Division pacesetters Racing de Santander within the final 16 of the Copa del Rey.
The Blaugrana should shortly refocus after lifting the Spanish Tremendous Cup on Sunday with a hard-fought win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia, whereas Racing are having fun with a powerful marketing campaign as they push for a long-awaited return to the highest flight.
Racing are concentrating on promotion for the primary time since their relegation within the 2011-12 season and presently sit prime of the Segunda Division standings.
Jose Alberto’s aspect have gained 11, drawn 5 and misplaced 5 of their 21 league matches, though their lead is slender.
A current dip in kind has seen the Cantabrian outfit go 4 video games with no win within the league, together with three consecutive 1-1 attracts earlier than Saturday’s 3-2 house defeat to Actual Zaragoza, their first loss within the division since early November.
Barcelona arrive on the again of a 10-match profitable streak in all competitions, their longest since 2016, and will hardly be in higher spirits.
After ending 2025 strongly, the Catalan giants started the brand new 12 months with a derby win over Espanyol earlier than storming to Spanish Tremendous Cup glory.
Hansi Flick’s aspect thrashed Athletic Membership 5-0 within the semi-finals earlier than edging previous Actual Madrid within the ultimate, with Raphinha scoring twice within the 3-2 win to cap off a prolific event for the Brazilian.
Barcelona have gained every of their final seven aggressive conferences with Racing, together with a 2-0 victory at El Sardinero in 2012, however with momentum and residential assist on their aspect, the hosts will imagine an upset is feasible.
Staff information for Racing Santander v Barcelona
Racing shall be with out ahead Asier Villalibre, who’s sidelined with a hamstring damage sustained earlier this month.
Arana, the hero of the Villarreal victory, stays a doubt after lacking the defeat to Zaragoza on the weekend, and his availability shall be assessed nearer to kick-off.
Jose Alberto rotated closely within the earlier spherical and will clean up his aspect once more, with Pablo Ramon, Mario Garcia and Suleiman Camara amongst these pushing for begins.
Barcelona are lacking Andreas Christensen, who’s dealing with an prolonged spell on the sidelines with a partial ACL tear, whereas Gavi continues his restoration from knee surgical procedure.
Frenkie de Jong is suspended after his purple card within the Spanish Tremendous Cup ultimate, and Flick is anticipated to rotate following the exertions of the Tremendous Cup marketing campaign.
Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado and Marcus Rashford are all candidates to return into the beginning XI, whereas Marc-Andre ter Stegen might characteristic in objective as Flick manages the workload of Joan Garcia.
Anticipated line-ups for Racing Santander v Barcelona
Racing Santander: Ezkieta; Mantilla, Ramon, Gonzalez, Garcia; Gueye, Puerta; Sangalli, Canales, Camara; Martin
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Garcia, Araujo, Martin, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Ferran
Learn how to watch Racing Santander v Barcelona: TV channel, on-line stay stream
The Copa del Rey conflict between Racing Santander and Barcelona kicks off at 8pm UK time and 9pm native time.
Viewers can watch the match on Premier Sports activities 1 or the Premier Sports activities participant.
The stats for Racing Santander v Barcelona
- Racing are showing within the Copa del Rey final 16 for the primary time since 2013-14
- Racing eradicated Villarreal 2-1 within the earlier spherical
- Barcelona are on a 10-match profitable run in all competitions
- Barcelona have gained their final seven aggressive matches towards Racing
- Racing haven’t crushed Barcelona since January 2004
Prediction
Racing Santander
0
–
3
Barcelona
Barcelona could rotate following their Spanish Tremendous Cup success, and Racing have already proven they’ll bother top-flight opposition on this competitors.
Nevertheless, the guests’ depth and high quality ought to show to be an excessive amount of over 90 minutes, with Barcelona anticipated to expire as snug winners.
