Racing Clash with Barcelona in Copa del Rey Showdown: Key Battles, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Following their recent triumph in securing their inaugural trophy of the campaign, Barcelona return to competitive action as they travel to face Racing in the Copa del Rey last 16 encounter on Thursday.
Barcelona overcame Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final over the weekend to capture the fourth title under Hansi Flick's leadership. This triumph also extended Barcelona's perfect record to 10 consecutive victories across all competitions, marking their most impressive winning sequence since 2016.
Nevertheless, La Liga2 table-toppers Racing present a genuine challenge to this impressive form. Despite their recent disappointing performances, the Santander club possesses top-flight quality players who can trouble elite teams; they successfully knocked out Villarreal in the previous round.
In this clash between the leaders of Spain's premier divisions, the Racing supporters in attendance will create an electric atmosphere as they welcome the Catalans for the first time since 2011, hoping to produce one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.
What Time Does Racing vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?
What Time Does Racing vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?
Racing vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Racing vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Racing | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Racing 2–3 Real Zaragoza - 10/1/26 | Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid - 11/1/26 |
Real Valladolid 1–1 Racing - 3/1/26 | Barcelona 5–0 Athletic Club - 7/1/26 |
SD Huesca 1–1 Racing - 20/12/26 | Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona - 3/1/26 |
Racing 2–1 Villarreal - 17/12/25 | Villarreal 0–2 Barcelona - 21/12/25 |
Racing 1–1 Leganés - 13/12/25 | Guadalajara 0–2 Barcelona - 16/12/25 |
How to Watch Racing vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Racing vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player |
Canada | Not Televised |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+ |
Racing Team News
Racing Team News
Racing's triumph over Villarreal in the last round becomes even more remarkable when considering José López utilized a rotated squad, well below full strength. This approach will change against Barcelona, as the La Liga2 frontrunners plan to field their most competitive eleven.
The home side will regret the absence of experienced forward Asier Villalibre due to injury, particularly given his history of troubling Barcelona in the 2021 Spanish Super Cup final.
However, Racing still possess a formidable offensive threat through La Liga2's top assist provider Íñigo Vicente and second-highest scorer Andrés Martín. This dynamic duo has excelled throughout the campaign and will aim to capitalize on Barcelona's occasionally vulnerable defensive setup.
Between the posts, goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta faces the monumental task of becoming just the second keeper in recent memory to deny the Catalans a goal.
Racing Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Racing Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Racing expected formation vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Ezkieta; Mantilla, Ramón, González, Salinas; Gueye, Puerta; Sangalli, Canales, Vicente; Martín.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona Team News
The Spanish Super Cup winners will receive a ceremonial guard of honor from Racing players, though festivities will quickly shift to competitive action in a fixture Flick's squad cannot take lightly.
Significant roster changes are anticipated from the starting eleven that faced Real Madrid in their previous outing. Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to earn the starting goalkeeper role while Ronald Araújo may make his first appearance since returning from extended absence.
While the Catalans have officially confirmed João Cancelo's signing, the versatile defender will likely need more time before featuring in Thursday's encounter.
Marc Bernal stands a strong chance of joining Pedri in central midfield given Frenkie de Jong's suspension, with Dani Olmo operating in a more attacking position. Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji are also anticipated to receive starting opportunities.
In attack, Robert Lewandowski could spearhead the forward line after netting a spectacular strike in Sunday's final.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Racing
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Racing
Barcelona Expected Formation vs. Racing (4-2-3-1): Szczęsny; Casadó, Araújo, Martín, Torrents; Bernal, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski.
Racing vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Racing vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Barcelona struggled to convince in their triumph over third-tier Guadalajara during their Copa del Rey opening match, meaning they must elevate their performance at El Sardinero, particularly against a significantly stronger opponent.
Racing possesses sufficient attacking quality to challenge Flick's defensive unit, though the hosts have also displayed defensive frailties in recent fixtures, which Barcelona should be able to capitalize upon.
While this won't be a straightforward victory, the talent disparity between both teams remains substantial. Barcelona will advance their Copa del Rey title defense with a convincing performance on Thursday.
Forecast: Racing 1–3 Barcelona