Barcelona advance to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over Racing Santander
Barcelona qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey after defeating Racing Santander 2-0, with goals from Ferran Torres and Yamin Yamal.
Barcelona fielded a balanced lineup featuring several key players, including goalkeeper Juan García, and a back four of Pau Coparsi, Jules Koundé, Alejandro Baldé, and Dani Olmo.
Barcelona dominated possession in the first half but failed to capitalize on several clear-cut chances, particularly through Marcus Rashford. Racing Santander, playing in the second division, looked to counter-attack, but the first half ended goalless. The second half continued in much the same vein, with Barcelona's attacks thwarted by a vigilant defense. Then, in the 66th minute, substitute Fermín López sent a long ball to striker Ferran Torres, who deceived the defense and goalkeeper, slotting the ball into the net.
Following this, German coach Hansi Flick made several changes to revitalize the midfield and attack, bringing on Pedri, Rafinha, and Robert Lewandowski. This allowed the Catalan team to gain more control of the ball and create more danger for Racing Santander's goal. Racing Santander responded with attacks of their own and came close to scoring several times, but were thwarted by the offside trap set by the defense.
Amidst Barcelona's attacks, a Racing Santander player broke the offside trap and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper García, who came out at the right moment and made a crucial save.
In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Yamal scored Barcelona's second goal after a pass from Rafinha, as Racing Santander players pressed forward in search of an equalizer. The round of 16 saw a major upset on Wednesday with Real Madrid's elimination at the hands of Albacete, losing 2-3. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place on January 19, following the qualification of Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, Albacete, Real Betis, Deportivo Alavés, and Valencia.