FC Barcelona and Racing Santander, who currently top the standings in La Liga and LaLiga Hypermotion (the top two tiers of Spanish football), face each other this Thursday 15 at 9pm CET at El Sardinero in the Copa del Rey round of 16.

The Cantabrian side, a historic name in Spanish football, go into the tie level on points with UD Las Palmas after one defeat and three draws in their last four matches. Even so, they remain top of the table, with the clear objective of returning to the top flight 14 years on.

A tricky opponent

Last season, Racing fell just short of promotion, being knocked out in the play-offs by CD Mirandés. Despite that setback, they enjoyed a strong campaign, and this year the promotion target is clearer than ever. A clear indication of the challenge facing Barça is Racing’s most recent clash with top-level opposition: on 17 December, the green-and-whites beat Villarreal 2–1, eliminating Marcelino García Toral’s side from the Copa del Rey.

Free-scoring sides

Both teams are prolific in front of goal. Throughout 2025, Racing were the highest scorers in the Segunda División (84 goals), while Barça led the way in the top flight (102). This season, Racing have 45 league goals, compared to 53 for Barça. Goals look likely.

Positive precedents

FC Barcelona have not faced Racing since 11 March 2012, a 2-0 win away from home thanks to a Lionel Messi brace. Of the last 17 meetings between the two sides, Barça have won 14, with three draws. Also, Messi scored Barça’s 5,000th league goal in a 2-1 win at El Sardinero on 1 February 2009.

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