Racing Santander are aiming to return to La Liga for the first time since their relegation in the 2011-12 season. Currently sitting top of the Segunda Division, Racing have won 11, drawn five, and lost five of their 21 league games this term, softfootball reported.
However, they are only ahead of Las Palmas on goal difference and two points clear of third-placed Almería, following a recent dip in form that saw them go four matches without a win.
The Cantabrian side drew 1-1 against Leganés, Huesca, and Real Valladolid before suffering a narrow 3-2 home defeat to Real Zaragoza at the weekend.
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Despite this, Racing will be keen to test themselves against top-flight opposition after navigating their way to the Copa del Rey last 16 for the first time since 2013-14.
They overcame SD Logroñés and Ponferradina before upsetting Villarreal 2-1 in the Round of 32, with Juan Carlos Arana scoring a decisive brace.
This Thursday, Racing will face Barcelona in their first meeting in 14 years, hoping to record a first win against the Catalans since a 3-0 defeat in January 2004.
The Segunda Division leaders will rely on their home advantage at El Sardinero, but they will face a Barcelona team in scintillating form.
Barcelona have been in relentless form, putting together a 10-game winning streak their best 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 style with seven straight wins, including a 2-0 away victory over Espanyol, and carried that momentum into Saudi Arabia.
There, they swept aside Athletic Club 5-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final before edging Real Madrid 3-2 in the final to lift their 16th Super Cup, with Raphinha starring by scoring four goals across the tournament.
Having lifted silverware in Saudi Arabia, Barcelona now shift focus to defending their Copa del Rey crown. They began their campaign at the Round of 32 stage with a narrow 2-0 win over third-tier Guadalajara, and have underlined their seriousness since then by regularly sharing training updates on their official X handle, a clear signal of their determination to stay sharp and push hard in their quest to retain the cup.
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The Catalans are clear favourites to progress, having won all seven previous competitive meetings with Racing, including a 2-0 victory at El Sardinero in 2012, courtesy of a Lionel Messi brace.
Team news
Team news sees Racing without Asier Villalibre due to a hamstring injury, while Juan Carlos Arana is doubtful after missing the weekend defeat to Zaragoza.
Jose Alberto may freshen up his lineup, with Pablo Ramón, Mario García, and Suleiman Camara likely to feature.
Barcelona are without Andreas Christensen due to a partial ACL tear, while Gavi continues his recovery from knee surgery. Frenkie de Jong will miss the match through suspension after receiving a red card in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Xavi Flick is expected to rotate his squad after the Saudi trip, with Ronald Araújo, Marc Casado, and Marcus Rashford among those likely to start. Marc-Andre ter Stegen could return in goal, though Wojciech Szczesny remains an option.
Possible lineups
Racing Santander possible starting lineup: Ezkieta; Mantilla, Ramon, Gonzalez, Garcia; Gueye, Puerta; Sangalli, Canales, Camara; Martin
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Garcia, Araújo, Martin, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Ferran
Prediction
While Racing have impressed in the Segunda Division and proved tricky opponents in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona’s extra quality and recent dominance suggest the visitors will progress. Expect a competitive match at El Sardinero, but the Catalans’ class is likely to shine through in a narrow victory.
Where to watch
Fans around the world can follow the action live across multiple broadcasters. In the United States, the game will air on ESPN Select, fuboTV, and the ESPN App, while viewers in Mexico and Central America can tune in via Sky.
Across South America, coverage includes Win Sports (Colombia), Canal del Fútbol (Ecuador), América and Movistar (Peru), and ESPN Brazil alongside Disney+ and other platforms in Brazil.
In Europe, the match will be shown on Premier Sports in the UK and Ireland, Movistar in Spain, DAZN across several major countries, and Disney+ in parts of Scandinavia.
For Africa, viewers in Sub-Saharan Africa can watch on StarTimes Sports Premium, while North Africa will have access via Shahid and Shasha. Coverage is also available across Asia, including FanCode in the Indian subcontinent and U-Next in Japan.
