Official: Barcelona Copa Del Rey opponents announced

The draws, conducted under rules pairing Super Cup teams from top tiers with lower-division sides, avoided early elite matchups involving Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, or Athletic Club.

This single-leg knockout, scheduled for January 13-15 at the underdogs’ venue with VAR in play, tees up classic cup intrigue.

Barcelona enter as favorites to defend their title, but away-ground magic often springs surprises.​

Their adversaries are Racing Santander, with the tie at Estadio El Sardinero, as reported by the official FC Barcelona X page.​

Barcelona advanced past CD Guadalajara 2-0 last month, demonstrating Hansi Flick’s squad rotation prowess amid a grueling schedule.

Racing Santander, buoyed by a shock win over Villarreal, embodies the lower-league grit synonymous with Copa del Rey upsets.​

History adds spice to this encounter. Racing, boasting a 1920s La Liga crown and recent second-tier momentum, will pack their stadium dreaming of glory.

Barcelona, fresh off last season’s extra-time final victory against Real Madrid, balances domestic cup ambitions with La Liga and Champions League priorities.

Flick may bench stars like Lewandowski, spotlighting prodigies such as Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsí.​

A raucous Cantabrian crowd awaits, but Barça’s technical edge and depth should secure progression. Complacency, however, invites penalties or extra-time chaos.

Triumph opens quarter-final pathways against Super Cup survivors, building momentum toward retaining the trophy at La Cartuja in April.​

This fixture captures cup football’s essence—underdog defiance versus established might.

Barcelona tread cautiously, chasing a potential domestic double in a defining campaign.

Victory unlocks quarter-final intrigue against cup heavyweights, fueling dreams of back-to-back triumphs at La Cartuja.

Amid a congested calendar, the Catalans stay laser-focused—another step toward domestic glory awaits.