Full Breakdown
Barcelona Advances in Copa del Rey with 11th Consecutive Victory
1/16/2026, 3:00:58 AM
Barcelona's Winning Streak Continues
FC Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Racing Santander on January 15, 2026, in the Copa del Rey round of 16, marking their 11th consecutive win in all competitions. Goals from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal propelled the reigning champions into the quarterfinals, maintaining their momentum after a recent triumph in the Spanish Supercopa against Real Madrid. This winning streak is now the joint second longest in the club's history, trailing only the 18-game run achieved during the 2005-06 season under Frank Rijkaard.
Match Overview
The match took place at the Campos de Sport de El Sardinero in Santander, where Barcelona faced a determined Racing Santander side, currently leading the Segunda División. Despite making six changes to their lineup, Barcelona fielded a strong team, including notable players like Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo. Racing, who had previously eliminated Villarreal in the Copa del Rey, posed a significant challenge, pushing Barcelona to their limits. Key moments included a crucial save by goalkeeper Joan García, which prevented Racing from equalizing just before Yamal's late goal sealed the match.
Official Statements & Responses
Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach, downplayed the significance of the winning streak, stating, "This is nothing. I am happy we won today, for us, the club and the fans." He emphasized the importance of attitude in securing the victory, acknowledging Racing's strong performance. Flick also noted, "You don't win these games because of name, but attitude. This is what I liked from the team."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, some analysts pointed out that Barcelona's performance was not as dominant as expected, particularly given Racing's lower division status. Critics highlighted that the team struggled at times, especially in defense, which could be a concern moving forward in the tournament.
Key Players and Tactical Insights
Barcelona's squad depth was evident, with players like Raphinha, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, and Fermín López coming off the bench to secure the win. The tactical setup saw Barcelona employing a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing for flexibility in attack while maintaining defensive solidity. Racing's strategy involved leveraging their top players, such as Íñigo Vicente and Andrés Martín, to exploit Barcelona's defensive vulnerabilities.
What's Next
With this victory, Barcelona continues their title defense in the Copa del Rey, looking ahead to the quarterfinals. The team's current form in La Liga, where they hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid, positions them as strong contenders for multiple trophies this season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is nothing,” — Hansi Flick, Head Coach, FC Barcelona
- “For Racing, it was maybe the biggest game in the last couple of years,” — Hansi Flick, Head Coach, FC Barcelona
- “We wanted to win today after winning the Supercopa.” — Hansi Flick, Head Coach, FC Barcelona
Barcelona's ability to maintain their winning streak while navigating the challenges of cup competitions will be crucial as they aim for further success this season.
