Racing Santander are aiming to return to La Liga for the primary time since their relegation within the 2011-12 season. At present sitting high of the Segunda Division, Racing have received 11, drawn 5, and misplaced 5 of their 21 league video games this time period, softfootball reported.
Nonetheless, they’re solely forward of Las Palmas on purpose distinction and two factors away from third-placed Almería, following a latest dip in kind that noticed them go 4 matches and not using a win.
The Cantabrian facet drew 1-1 in opposition to Leganés, Huesca, and Actual Valladolid earlier than struggling a slim 3-2 house defeat to Actual Zaragoza on the weekend.
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Regardless of this, Racing can be eager to check themselves in opposition to top-flight opposition after navigating their strategy to the Copa del Rey final 16 for the primary time since 2013-14.
They overcame SD Logroñés and Ponferradina earlier than upsetting Villarreal 2-1 within the Spherical of 32, with Juan Carlos Arana scoring a decisive brace.
This Thursday, Racing will face Barcelona of their first assembly in 14 years, hoping to file a primary win in opposition to the Catalans since a 3-0 defeat in January 2004.
The Segunda Division leaders will depend on their house benefit at El Sardinero, however they are going to face a Barcelona crew in scintillating kind.
Barcelona have been in relentless kind, placing collectively a 10-game profitable streak their finest run since 2016 after responding impressively to a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea in November.
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The Blaugrana closed 2025 in model with seven straight wins, together with a 2-0 away victory over Espanyol, and carried that momentum into Saudi Arabia.
There, they swept apart Athletic Membership 5-0 within the Spanish Tremendous Cup semi-final earlier than edging Actual Madrid 3-2 within the closing to elevate their sixteenth Tremendous Cup, with Raphinha starring by scoring 4 targets throughout the match.
Having lifted silverware in Saudi Arabia, Barcelona now shift focus to defending their Copa del Rey crown. They started their marketing campaign on the Spherical of 32 stage with a slim 2-0 win over third-tier Guadalajara, and have underlined their seriousness since then by commonly sharing coaching updates on their official X deal with, a transparent sign of their willpower to remain sharp and push exhausting of their quest to retain the cup.
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The Catalans are clear favourites to progress, having received all seven earlier aggressive conferences with Racing, together with a 2-0 victory at El Sardinero in 2012, courtesy of a Lionel Messi brace.
Staff information
Staff information sees Racing with out Asier Villalibre on account of a hamstring damage, whereas Juan Carlos Arana is uncertain after lacking the weekend defeat to Zaragoza.
Jose Alberto could clean up his lineup, with Pablo Ramón, Mario García, and Suleiman Camara more likely to characteristic.
Barcelona are with out Andreas Christensen on account of a partial ACL tear, whereas Gavi continues his restoration from knee surgical procedure. Frenkie de Jong will miss the match via suspension after receiving a purple card within the Spanish Tremendous Cup closing.
Xavi Flick is anticipated to rotate his squad after the Saudi journey, with Ronald Araújo, Marc Casado, and Marcus Rashford amongst these more likely to begin. Marc-Andre ter Stegen may return in purpose, although Wojciech Szczesny stays an choice.
Potential lineups
Racing Santander potential beginning lineup: Ezkieta; Mantilla, Ramon, Gonzalez, Garcia; Gueye, Puerta; Sangalli, Canales, Camara; Martin
Barcelona potential beginning lineup: Ter Stegen; Garcia, Araújo, Martin, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Ferran
Prediction
Whereas Racing have impressed within the Segunda Division and proved difficult opponents within the Copa del Rey, Barcelona’s additional high quality and up to date dominance counsel the guests will progress. Anticipate a aggressive match at El Sardinero, however the Catalans’ class is more likely to shine via in a slim victory.
The place to observe
Followers around the globe can observe the motion reside throughout a number of broadcasters. In america, the sport will air on ESPN Choose, fuboTV, and the ESPN App, whereas viewers in Mexico and Central America can tune in through Sky.
Throughout South America, protection contains Win Sports activities (Colombia), Canal del Fútbol (Ecuador), América and Movistar (Peru), and ESPN Brazil alongside Disney+ and different platforms in Brazil.
In Europe, the match can be proven on Premier Sports activities within the UK and Eire, Movistar in Spain, DAZN throughout a number of main nations, and Disney+ in elements of Scandinavia.
For Africa, viewers in Sub-Saharan Africa can watch on StarTimes Sports activities Premium, whereas North Africa could have entry through Shahid and Shasha. Protection can also be out there throughout Asia, together with FanCode within the Indian subcontinent and U-Subsequent in Japan.
