Defending champions Barcelona booked a place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals after a demanding evening against Racing Santander. The Catalan side were tested throughout by their second-tier hosts, who refused to sit back despite the gap in status.
The visitors controlled much of the ball but struggled to turn that control into clear chances. Santander stayed compact and disciplined, making it difficult for the reigning cup winners to create space in the final third.
Patience eventually paid off after the break, when Barcelona finally found a way to break the deadlock and tilt the tie in their favour.
Decisive moment after the interval
The breakthrough arrived when Fermin Lopez, introduced from the bench, split the home defence with a precise through-ball. Ferran Torres, wearing the armband on the night, latched onto the pass, took the ball around goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta, and calmly finished.
That goal eased the pressure on Hansi Flick’s side, which had previously dominated territory without reward. Santander continued to compete, but the momentum had shifted.
In added time, teenage winger Lamine Yamal sealed progression by meeting Raphinha’s delivery at the far post, ensuring a two-goal margin by the final whistle.
Context across the competition
Earlier in the week, Real Madrid exited the tournament following a surprise defeat to Segunda Division outfit Albacete. The match marked Alvaro Arbeloa’s first appearance on the touchline since stepping in for Xabi Alonso.
Santander, current leaders of Spain’s second division, remain focused on a possible return to the top flight next season, having last featured there in 2012.
Barcelona, who lifted the trophy last season after defeating their great rivals in the final, will discover their next opponents when the quarter-final draw takes place on Monday.
