Defending champions Barcelona narrowly avoided an upset following Real Madrid‘s stumble in the Copa del Rey, defeating second-division leaders Racing Santander 2-0 on Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals.
This marked Barcelona’s 11th consecutive victory, having triumphed over Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa just days earlier.
In contrast, Madrid, who were runners-up to Barcelona in last year’s Copa final, faced a shocking exit after losing 3-2 to second-tier Albacete on Wednesday in the first match under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 66th minute during a breakaway, expertly collecting a pass from Fermín López to evade the goalkeeper and find the net. Lamine Yamal confirmed the win with a goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Marcus Rashford nearly created an opening in the 10th minute with a well-placed cross, but Dani Olmo was unable to convert at close range.
The on-loan player from Manchester United was involved in numerous key moments, nearly scoring right before halftime with a strike that was deflected and saved by Racing goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta.
After the break, Rashford squandered another opportunity, as Ezkieta made a tremendous save following good play from Yamal. The teenager then came close himself, forcing another save from Ezkieta as Barcelona maintained relentless pressure.
Racing had two goals ruled out for offside—one in the 77th minute and another in the 86th—before they missed a crucial chance to equalize in stoppage time, with Barcelona’s goalkeeper Joan García making a pivotal save against substitute Manex Lozano.
“We are fortunate to have Joan in goal,” said Torres. “These teams are well-prepared with players of immense quality, which makes it challenging for first-division clubs.”
The match experienced a 15-minute delay due to access issues at the stadium in northern Spain.
Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick opted not to start some key players, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri, all of whom were substituted into the game in the second half.
Before the match, Racing players paid tribute to the Spanish Super Cup champions by forming a guard of honor as Barcelona entered the field.
Information from PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.