On January 15, 2026, the Barcelona football team faces a critical challenge in the Copa del Rey as they travel to face Racing de Santander in the knockout stage’s round of 16. This match is pivotal for the Catalan giants, who are aware that an away victory is necessary to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. Racing de Santander, a well-organized team leading the Segunda División, will aim to cause an upset similar to the historic victory of Albacete over Real Madrid in previous editions. With a mixture of strategic planning and courageous football, both teams enter the game with high stakes and ambitions to advance further in Spain’s prestigious cup tournament.
Preview and Significance of the Match
This fixture sets the tone for the knockout phase of the Copa del Rey, emphasizing the importance of a positive result for Barcelona, who are seeking to defend their title and add another silverware to their cabinet. Facing Racing de Santander — a team currently competing at the top of the second division — presents a difficult test for the Catalan club that hopes to progress without the inertia of a home advantage.
For Barcelona, the match is especially significant as it might showcase their resilience and squad depth, given their recent squad changes and the need to keep their momentum in domestic competitions. On the other hand, Racing Santander is motivated by the opportunity to replicate the improbable victory that shook up the tournament and potentially pull off another upset against a top-tier team.
Team News and Strategic Outlook
Barcelona’s Lineup and Key Players
Barcelona’s tactical approach will be influenced by several factors, including their recent transfer activity and squad availability. The club has introduced Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo, who recently arrived from Al-Hilal to reinforce the right flank following a long-term injury to Danish defender Andreas Christensen. Cancelo’s incorporation is expected to bolster the team’s defensive solidity and provide offensive contributions from the wing-back position.
However, Barcelona will be without their Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is suspended after being sent off in the Supercopa de España final. Coach Hansi Flick has emphasized that the match against Racing will not be one to hold back significant players, considering the knockout nature of the tie, which could see a lineup featuring many of their regular starters.
Racing de Santander’s Strategy
Racing’s head coach, José Alberto López, has adopted a pragmatic approach, drawing on the tactics that worked against Villarreal in the previous round, where they secured a 2-1 victory. The emphasis during the week has been on maintaining defensive discipline and capitalizing on counterattacking opportunities. Racing understands that to have a chance against the scaled-down but dangerous Barcelona, they need to stay compact and seize counterattacking moments to threaten the visitors’ goal.
López has praised his squad’s energy and resilience, knowing that their defensive organization will be crucial in preventing Barcelona’s star-studded attack from finding space and creating scoring chances. Their game plan hinges on disrupting Barcelona’s rhythm and possibly catching them off guard with rapid transitions.
Match Details and Expectations
The knockout round contest will take place at El Sardinero stadium in Santander, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00 local time in Mexico City and 15:00 Eastern Time. This fixture marks an exciting point in the tournament as the last 16 teams vie for a place in the quarterfinals, intensifying the stakes for both sides.
The starting lineups reflect the importance of this game. For Racing Santander, the probable XI includes goalkeepers like Ezkieta, with defenders such as Mantilla, Manu Hernando, and Javi Castro providing defensive stability. The midfield will likely feature Íñigo Sainz-Maza and Maguette, with creative players like Suleiman, Aldasoro, and Guliashvili helping supply the attack.
Barcelona is expected to field a strong team, led by goalkeeper Joan García. The defensive line could include Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Balde, offering both experience and agility. The midfield trio might consist of Bernal, Casadó, and Olmo, providing a balance of control and creativity. Up front, the attack will be spearheaded by young star Lamine Yamal, alongside Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres, aiming to capitalize on their offensive opportunities.
Implications and Outlook
This match holds significant implications for both teams. Barcelona, aiming to defend their Copa del Rey title, needs a positive away result to avoid facing a daunting second leg at Camp Nou. Their challenge lies in breaking down Racing’s organized defense while managing the absence of de Jong and integrating Cancelo into their tactical setup.
Racing Santander sees this game as a unique opportunity to cause another major upset and progress further in the tournament. Their focus on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks could turn the tide if executed effectively against the visiting giants.
As the game unfolds, spectators can anticipate a tense and fiercely contested duel, with strategic battles playing out at every level. The winner will move one step closer to claiming one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious football trophies, adding a memorable chapter to their history.
With both teams highly motivated and tactical preparations underway, fans around Spain and beyond are eager to see how this exciting knockout clash develops. Expectations are high for a compelling match that could deliver surprises and showcase the depth and passion of Spanish football in the 2025-26 season.
