Barcelona Vs Racing Club: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Friday, January 16, 2026 |
| Time | 01:30 AM IST |
| Venue | El Sardinero, Santander |
| Competition | Copa del Rey (Round of 16) |
🏟️ Super Cup Champions Barcelona Face High-Flying Racing
Fresh from their exhilarating Spanish Super Cup victory over Real Madrid, FC Barcelona travel north to Cantabria to continue their Copa del Rey defense against Racing Santander. Hansi Flick’s side is currently on a dominant 10-game winning streak in all competitions, their longest run since 2016. While the Blaugrana are clear favorites, they must maintain focus at the historic El Sardinero against a team that has already knocked out top-flight opposition this season.
Racing Santander currently sits at the top of the Segunda Division but enters this tie following a slight dip in league form, including a recent 3-2 home defeat to Real Zaragoza. However, Jose Alberto’s men proved their giant-killing credentials in the previous round by eliminating Villarreal. With the home crowd behind them, the "Racinguistas" will aim to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.
- Event: Copa del Rey Round of 16
- Date: Friday, January 16, 2026 (IST)
- Time: 01:30 AM IST
- Venue: Campos de Sport de El Sardinero
- Context: Barcelona seeks to reach the quarter-finals while maintaining their perfect 2026 record.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Racing Santander (Coach: Jose Alberto, Form: L D D D W)
Racing will be without forward Asier Villalibre due to a hamstring injury, while Juan Carlos Arana remains a doubt. Despite a four-game winless run in the league, they boast a potent attack led by Segunda Division top performers. Alberto is expected to field a strong side to test the La Liga leaders, relying on their defensive organization at home.
Barcelona (Coach: Hansi Flick, Form: W W W W W)
Flick has named almost every first-team squad member for the trip, including new loan signing João Cancelo, who could feature. However, Frenkie de Jong is suspended following his red card in the Super Cup final. Gavi and Christensen remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Expect some rotation, with Marcus Rashford, Ronald Araujo, and Marc Casado likely to get starting nods.
⭐ Key Players
- Racing Santander: Andrés Martín (Forward) - The second leading goalscorer in La Liga2 and a massive threat in transition.
- Racing Santander: Íñigo Vicente (Midfielder) - The league's assist leader whose creativity will be vital for unlocking Barca.
- Barcelona: Marcus Rashford (Forward) - Expected to start in the cup, his pace will be a primary weapon against Racing's backline.
- Barcelona: Pedri (Midfielder) - With De Jong out, Pedri will be the orchestrator in midfield to maintain Barca's rhythm.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Segunda Leaders vs. La Liga Leaders: A rare clash between the top teams of Spain's two highest divisions.
- The Midfield Void: Marc Casado and Marc Bernal may partner to fill the gap left by the suspended Frenkie de Jong.
- Counter-Attacking Threat: Racing’s ability to exploit Barcelona’s high line through the Williams-like pace of their attackers will be the hosts' best chance.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
Racing Santander has the quality to test Barcelona, especially given the emotional comedown after a major trophy win. However, Flick's tactical discipline and the sheer depth of the Barca squad should prevail. While it may not be a routine win at a hostile El Sardinero, the Catalans are expected to progress comfortably.
Predicted Score: Racing Santander 1–3 Barcelona
Can the Segunda Division leaders shock the champions, or will Barcelona's winning machine keep rolling? Kick-off is at 01:30 AM IST tonight!
Would you like me to provide the confirmed starting lineups for Racing Santander and Barcelona once they are released at El Sardinero?
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