Racing Santander (home)
- Racing Santander come into this last-16 Copa del Rey game as Segunda leaders and have positive results in their last five competitive matches.
- They recorded a 2-1 win over Villarreal.
- José Alberto’s Racing set up in a compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, depending on who is available.
- They like to play low-tempo soccer and don’t press too much, instead looking to be compact and counter-attack in numbers.
- Racing’s midfielders are physical, good in the air and can provide energy in transition.
- Juan Carlos Arana, Racing’s talisman, scored a brace to down Villarreal and has consistently threatened from set-pieces.
- Alberto’s team have looked especially dangerous from set-pieces this season.
Barcelona (away)
- Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have won five straight games across Copa, Supercopa and LaLiga.
- They have rotated their roster during a busy period.
- Barca sit atop LaLiga and just lifted the Supercopa de España.
- Flick’s team are attacking-minded, pressing high, playing a high line and looking to overwhelm teams with superior numbers and intensity.
- They transition very quickly and can get up and down the field at a rapid rate, even with rotation.
Head-to-Head
- There is a lot of history between Racing Santander and Barcelona.
- Barcelona have won every competitive meeting since 2011-12.
- They have dominated with around 62 wins and 240 goals in nearly 100 meetings across all competitions.
- The draw is 6.19 for this Copa del Rey last-16 tie.
- Racing are 9.0 shots to pull off an upset on Thursday.
- Barca are as short as 1.29 for a win.
Key Players
- Juan Carlos Arana
- Scored both goals in their 2-1 win over Villarreal.
- A constant threat from set pieces and in the box.
- Andreas Christensen
- Provides the steel at the back for the Catalans.
- Can also provide goals from nowhere, as he did in their Copa win at Guadalajara.
- Raphinha
- Has been in fine form after starring in the Supercopa final.
- Offers width, creativity and a constant danger from wide areas and set-pieces.
- Marcus Rashford
- Has also been in brilliant form for Barca and offers pace, power and a clinical edge on the break.
Betting Insights
- Barca are short at 1.29 for a win.
- The draw is priced at 6.19.
- Racing are 9.0 to pull off an upset.
- BTTS odds are 1.68, reflecting Racing’s set-piece threat and Barca’s attacking talent.
- Ticket demand for this game in Santander has been unprecedented, which could influence the atmosphere.
Prediction
- A 2-0 or 2-1 win for Barcelona seems the most likely outcome.
- The BTTS market (1.68) is tempting given Racing’s set-piece danger and Barca’s attacking options.
- Racing can make life uncomfortable for Barca, especially if Flick rotates or his team tires after the Supercopa.
