Last-eight bound: Barcelona cruise past second-tier Racing Santander in Copa del Rey

Barcelona began the match with several changes to the starting XI. Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado were named in the lineup, while Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Pedri started on the bench. The hosts created several chances in the opening minutes but failed to convert, and the first half ended goalless despite Barcelona dominating possession with 82%.

The pattern remained largely unchanged after the break. Hansi Flick added more attacking impetus by introducing Fermin Lopez in place of Marc Bernal, and after more than an hour of play, Barcelona finally broke the deadlock. Ferran Torres received a through ball from Fermin, dribbled past three Racing players and scored the opening goal.

Barcelona continued to push for a second goal, recording 321 passes, 12 shots and winning every corner in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the final minute, when Lamine Yamal met Raphinha’s cross inside the box and calmly finished to seal the victory.

After the match, Hansi Flick praised the opposition’s performance. “I really appreciate these brave teams, because they know they have nothing to lose. I liked how Racing defended. We saw their style of play, they press high, but I’m happy because we’re in the next round,” he said.

“These matches aren’t won on reputation, they’re won on attitude. We had a great attitude and the team played very seriously, with the right mentality, and that’s what I like most. For Racing, it was one of the most important matches of the year. You don’t win these kinds of matches because of your reputation, but because of your attitude. For us, it was also an important match. We were focused, with the right mindset.”

Barcelona will face one of Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis, Alavés, Albacete or Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The draw is expected to take place next Monday, after the current La Liga matchweek concludes.