‘Will be expelled‘ — Racing Santander supporters warn Barcelona fans over ticket resale in Copa del Rey clash | OneFootball

The Copa del Rey Round of 16 is upon us, and FC Barcelona now face a Racing Santander-sized challenge to reach the next stage. The La Liga 2 leaders will be hoping to fashion a famous upset and progress.

Away trips in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey are never an easy proposition. The Cantabrians will be keen to make their stadium their 12th man and use emotion to get over the line against Hansi Flick’s men.

The Cantabria-based club confirmed a complete sell-out on Monday afternoon after the final 145 tickets were snapped up, all of them made available exclusively to season ticket holders and their close contacts.

As a result, the stadium is expected to be awash in green and white. Of the 22,308 seats available, 21,848 will be occupied by Racing supporters, with just 460 tickets allocated to Barcelona at a price of €30 each.

Anticipation has been building across the city since last Wednesday’s draw. Barcelona have not visited Santander since March 11, 2012, and for many younger Racing supporters, this will be their first opportunity to see one of world football’s giants live at El Sardinero.

Since the club’s change of ownership, attendance has surged, particularly among families and children who have grown up watching Racing in Segunda División and Segunda B over the past 14 years.

The importance of preserving a home-only environment has been stressed repeatedly. Last Friday, Racing head coach José Alberto López revealed he had received between 150 and 200 ticket requests ahead of the match, but insisted none could be accommodated. As he explained, those who wish to support Barcelona “can go to Camp Nou every 15 days.”

That same determination has been echoed most strongly by La Gradona de los Malditos, the club’s organised supporters group located in the North End of the stadium. After detecting the resale of tickets to Barcelona fans within their section, the group issued a firm warning through a public statement. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, it reads:

“In this stand, we have rules: you only cheer for Racing, and you only wear Racing gear.”

They went further, making clear that any breach would be dealt with decisively.

“Additionally, anyone who comes with symbols of a team other than Racing, celebrates, or cheers for the rival club, will be expelled from the stand. In La Gradona, there are rules, and they must be followed. You only cheer for Racing and only wear Racing gear. If that’s not the case, this stand is not your place.”

It is a stark message and an early sign of the hostile environment awaiting Hansi Flick’s side. Racing’s supporters are intent on turning El Sardinero into a cauldron, hoping emotion and intensity can bridge the gap in quality.

On paper, Barcelona remain clear favourites to progress. Yet away ties in the Copa del Rey have a habit of defying logic, and Racing are determined to seize their moment. Whether passion alone will be enough remains to be seen, but complacency is not an option for Barcelona on a night that promises noise, colour, and uncompromising resistance.