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15th Jan. Spanish Copa Del Rey---Racing Santander VS FC Barcelona Prediction
Spanish Copa Del Rey - Racing Santander VS FC Barcelona
Match Time:16-01-2026 04:15 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team News
Racing Santander come into this boosted by their league leadership and cup progress, having navigated earlier rounds convincingly. Their home record at El Sardinero is solid, with physical, organized defending and threats from set pieces or counters. However, they miss top scorer Asier Villalibre (hamstring injury), a big blow to their attack. Other doubts include some fringe players like Arana (recently omitted), but the core squad is available—expect a compact 4-2-3-1 or similar with Andrés Martín or Vicente up top, midfield control from players like Gueye and Puerta, and a backline focused on frustrating Barcelona's stars. Manager will prioritize energy and discipline to test the visitors.
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, are in red-hot form after lifting the Super Cup (beating Real Madrid in the final) and remain unbeaten in many recent games. They made hard work of earlier Copa rounds but have firepower. Injuries and suspensions hit: Gavi and Andreas Christensen are long-term knee absentees, Frenkie de Jong is suspended (red card in Super Cup final), and young midfielder Pedro 'Dro' Fernández is out with discomfort. No fresh major issues, so expect heavy rotation—Marc-André ter Stegen likely starts in goal, with a backline including Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, or others; midfield featuring Pedri, Eric García, or Casado; and attackers like Lamine Yamal, Ferran López, Marcus Rashford, and Robert Lewandowski leading the line in a 4-2-3-1. Depth allows changes without big drop-off, though fatigue from recent travel and games could factor in.
Head to Head Analysis
Barcelona dominate this fixture overwhelmingly. In recent competitive meetings (mostly older La Liga clashes), they've won the last seven straight against Racing, often keeping clean sheets (six in a row in some samples). Historical Copa del Rey encounters favor Barça heavily (nine wins in 12 meetings, with Racing winning just twice long ago). The last visit to El Sardinero saw Barcelona win 2-0 (Messi brace in 2012). Games tend to be one-sided when these sides meet, with Barcelona's quality shining through—Racing's last win dates back to 2004. Expect Barcelona to control possession and create chances, while Racing aim to stay tight defensively and hit on breaks, but the gulf in class usually shows in low-scoring or comfortable wins for the visitors.
Prediction
Racing's home crowd and league form could make this awkward early, forcing Barcelona to work hard in a potential banana-skin tie—especially with rotations and absences. However, Barcelona's winning streak, superior depth, attacking talent (Lewandowski, Yamal, Rashford threats), and motivation to progress make them clear favorites. They should manage the game, break through eventually, and avoid an upset. Likely controlled with goals from quality moments rather than chaos.
Final Prediction: Barcelona win 2-0 (or 3-1 if Racing nick one). Comfortable away progression—around 75-80% confidence in a Barcelona victory, with over 2.5 goals possible but under also likely in a professional performance.
From:Preview
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