Racing Santander vs FC Barcelona: Match preview | Copa del Rey | OneFootball

FC Barcelona travel to El Sardinero to face Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 as they look to secure a place among the final eight teams remaining in the competition.

While the Catalan giants enter the tie as favourites on paper, this encounter is unlikely to be a routine affair given the unpredictable nature of Spain’s historic cup tournament.

The Copa del Rey has long been defined by its capacity for surprises, where teams of any stature can rise to the occasion and disrupt expectations. Barcelona are well aware of this reality, and Hansi Flick will expect his side to approach the match with maximum focus and professionalism. With ambitions stretching across multiple competitions this season, there is no room for complacency.

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Match overview:

Barcelona arrive in Santander buoyed by their recent triumph in the Spanish Super Cup, where they claimed the trophy after an exhilarating victory over Real Madrid. That success has further fuelled confidence within the squad, and now attention swiftly turns to defending another title.

As both the reigning champions and the most successful club in the history of the Copa del Rey, expectations remain high around Flick’s team.

The German coach has overseen an exceptional run of form in recent weeks. Barcelona have won each of their last 10 matches across all competitions, showcasing both attacking fluency and defensive solidity. Over their previous five outings, they have scored 14 goals while conceding just 2, recording 4 clean sheets in the process. The team appears to be peaking at an ideal moment in the season.

Racing Santander, however, should not be underestimated. The hosts currently sit at the summit of the Segunda Division table, a testament to their consistency and organisation throughout the campaign. Playing at home in a knockout tie, they will be motivated to seize the opportunity and test themselves against elite opposition.

That said, Racing’s recent form has been less convincing. Their last five matches have produced one win, three draws, and one defeat, with 7 goals scored and 7 conceded. While this does not reflect their strongest spell of the season, it does underline their ability to remain competitive and pose an attacking threat. Their earlier elimination of Villarreal from the tournament serves as a clear warning of their potential to cause another upset.

For FC Barcelona, the objective is clear. This is a competition deeply woven into the club’s identity, and Flick will be keen for his side to assert their quality and progress without unnecessary drama. A disciplined and assertive performance should see the Catalan giants continue their Copa del Rey journey and uphold their formidable legacy in the tournament.