The runaway La Liga leaders travel to face the Segunda División table-toppers, with in-form Raphinha looking to extend his scoring streak.
The Copa del Rey Round of 16 serves up a classic “Clash of Realities” this Thursday night as Racing Santander hosts FC Barcelona at a sold-out El Sardinero. While Barça arrives as the world’s most in-form “machine,” Racing is enjoying a resurgence, currently leading the Spanish second division and dreaming of an upset for the ages.
The Flick Juggernaut Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side is currently a devastating force in European football. Fresh off a dominant Spanish Super Cup victory where they dismantled Real Madrid, the Catalans are heavy favorites to advance.
The man of the moment is undoubtedly Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has been in career-best form, netting four goals in his last two outings. Despite the gap in status, Flick is expected to field a strong side, potentially rotating only key areas to maintain the high-intensity structure that has seen Barça win 8 of their last 10 encounters against the Cantabrian side.
Racing’s Giant-Killing Dreams For José Alberto López and his Racing squad, this match is more than just a cup tie; it’s a statement of intent. As they sit comfortably at the top of the Segunda División, the home fans see this as a rehearsal for their return to the top flight.
Racing will look to exploit the “mystique” of the knockout format. Historically, El Sardinero has been a difficult ground for visitors, and with a raucous home crowd behind them, the Verdiblancos believe they can catch a rotated Barça side off guard.
Match Information: Kick-off and Where to Watch
Match: Racing Santander vs FC Barcelona
Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 16)
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT
Venue: El Sardinero Stadium, Santander
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
