Barcelona Seeks to Advance in the Copa del Rey Against Racing de Santander
FC Barcelona, after winning the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, faces Real Racing Club de Santander in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. The match will be played at the Campos de Sport de El Sardinero at 21:00 CET. Racing, leader of the Second Division, seeks a historic qualification against the current champion of the tournament. For its part, Barcelona arrives with novelties and important casualties. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will have the recently incorporated Portuguese full-back João Cancelo. Pablo Páez ‘Gavi’, injured, and Frenkie de Jong, suspended, will not be available.Joan García is expected to be the starting goalkeeper, replacing Marc-André ter Stegen. Cancelo and Araujo could get minutes from the bench. In midfield, Flick could line up Casadó and Bernal alongside Pedri. In attack, Roony Bardghji, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres could repeat, with Dani Olmo in the attacking midfield. Racing’s coach, José Alberto López, emphasizes defensive solidity and counterattacks. Racing recovers Juan Carlos Arana and Giorgi Guliashvili could debut. Pablo Ramón and Clément Michelin returned to training, while Asier Villalibre will be out. José Alberto could field substitutes, with the exception of Álvaro Mantilla. The tactical approach of Racing is uncertain, with the possibility of a 4-2-3-1 or a 5-3-2.Flick has warned of Racing’s potential, calling them an intense and high-quality team.
Hansi Flick
Match Details
- Stadium: Campos de Sport El Sardinero
- Time: 21:00 (CET)
- Referee: José María Sánchez (Murcian Committee)
- VAR: David Gávez (Madrid Committee)
