FC Barcelona scraped through to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Racing Santander.
The Blaugrana dominated possession but faced a stubborn, well-organised home side that frustrated them for much of the game.
The deadlock was broken when Ferran Torres latched onto a smart through ball, raced clear, and calmly slotted home past the goalkeeper for the decisive goal.
Racing threatened on counters and set pieces, forcing key saves from Joan García, but couldn’t find an equaliser.
Barcelona’s win extends their strong form post-Super Cup triumph, advancing to the quarterfinals despite a gritty, low-scoring affair that highlighted the challenges of cup ties against motivated underdogs.
Here are the Barcelona players’ ratings:
Joan García (7/10)
Made several key saves, including stops from set pieces and a late effort, securing a vital clean sheet.
Solid distribution helped build play from the back despite Racing’s early pressure.
Jules Koundé (7/10)
Solid at right-back, winning important duels and containing Racing’s counters effectively.
Contributed to a disciplined defensive unit that held firm in a high-intensity away tie.
Pau Cubarsí (7/10)
Composed in central defence, reading the game well, and making timely interceptions.
Handled aerial threats from set pieces confidently despite the hosts’ motivation.
Gerard Martín (6.5/10)
Decent in the backline, offering cover and some overlapping support on the left.
Tested by transitions but part of a back four that kept Racing at bay overall.
Alejandro Balde (6.5/10)
Provided energy with overlapping runs down the left, but faced challenges on the break.
Solid defensively in a rotated setup, helping maintain structure against a pressing side.
Marc Casadó (6.5/10)
Worked tirelessly in midfield to recycle possession and cover ground effectively.
Maintained control, but the sterile passing limited his overall creative influence.
Marc Bernal (6.5/10)
Battled hard in the engine room to disrupt Racing and support build-up play.
Showed good positional sense in a tough, low-block battle but lacked penetration.
Dani Olmo (7/10)
Added creativity and vision in the attacking third with key passes leading toward the goal.
His quality helped turn possession into the decisive moment despite limited space.
Lamine Yamal (7.5/10)
Threatening on the right with dribbles, shots on target, and stretching the defense.
Brought energy and danger throughout, though he couldn’t find the net himself.
Marcus Rashford (6/10)
Started with some promising runs into space, but faded without a major goal threat.
His pace troubled the opponent at times, but he couldn’t consistently break through the compact block.
Ferran Torres (8/10)
Scored the crucial match-winning goal with a sharp, clinical finish from close range.
His intelligent movement and composure proved decisive in a game of few clear chances.
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