Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Racing Santander at El Sardinero on Wednesday night to advance to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, extending their winning streak to 11 consecutive matches across all competitions. Goals from Ferran Torres and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal proved decisive as the defending cup holders overcame a determined second-division side that made life difficult for Hansi Flick's squad throughout the encounter.
The match at El Sardinero was far from the routine victory many had predicted on paper. Racing Santander, current leaders of the Spanish second division who had already demonstrated their giant-killing credentials by eliminating Villarreal 2-1 in the previous round, played a highly physical game and contested every loose ball. The first half ended goalless with the hosts frustrating Barcelona's attempts to break them down and creating a tense atmosphere in the stadium.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute when Ferran Torres found the breakthrough with a superb right-footed strike that gave Barcelona the lead they had been searching for. The Spanish international's clinical finish rewarded the Catalan side's persistence after a frustrating opening hour against the resilient Racing defense that had held firm under intense pressure.
Lamine Yamal sealed the victory late in the match with a composed finish that doubled Barcelona's advantage and ended any lingering hopes of a Racing comeback. The 17-year-old wonderkid continues to impress in his breakthrough season, adding another goal to his impressive tally as Barcelona demonstrated their depth and quality when it mattered most. Key contributions from Fermín López and goalkeeper Joan Garcia also proved crucial in securing the clean sheet.
This was the first time Barcelona had visited El Sardinero since March 2012, when a Lionel Messi brace secured a 2-0 victory in what proved to be a memorable trip to Santander. The result maintains Barcelona's excellent form following their Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia just days earlier, where they claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over their eternal rivals.
Barcelona will now face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals in what promises to be a marquee clash between two of La Liga's heavyweight clubs. The defending champions remain on course to retain their title as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts this season under Flick's impressive management.
For Racing Santander, despite the defeat, their Copa del Rey campaign will be remembered fondly after eliminating top-flight opposition in Villarreal. The second-division leaders can now refocus on their primary objective of securing promotion back to La Liga, where their impressive form this season suggests they have every chance of success.