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Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal lead Barcelona to a 2-0 win against Racing Santander, bagging a Copa del Rey quarter-final spot.
Ferran Torres scored in Barcelona’s win over Racing Santander (Picture credit: AP)
Star forward Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal propelled Barcelona to a 2-0 win against Racing Santander, advancing them to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Thursday.
The Spanish internationals’ goals helped the defending champions defeat second division leaders Racing in a surprisingly close last 16 encounter, marking their 11th consecutive win across all competitions.
The hosts had two goals disallowed for offside, and 32-time winners Barca did just enough to secure the victory.
“We didn’t expect them to be so hard to break down,” admitted Torres to Movistar. “We knew we had to stretch the game, stay calm, and in the end, it worked out.”
After seeing Real Madrid eliminated by second-tier Albacete on Wednesday, Barca coach Hansi Flick named a relatively strong side, including teenage star Yamal.
Following a 15-minute delay due to some fans being stuck outside, the match kicked off at Racing’s Sardinero stadium, with Barca quickly taking control of the ball.
The Catalans struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances. When they did, Dani Olmo missed his kick from Marcus Rashford’s dangerous cross.
Racing tried to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line, but the visitors managed to clean up well when they got in behind.
Giorgi Guliashvili’s low long-range effort was comfortably handled by Joan Garcia, which was the closest the hosts came.
Barcelona continued to push forward in the second half, with Rashford having a shot tipped away and another drilled narrowly wide.
Eventually, the Spanish champions took the lead through Torres after Fermin Lopez sent him through on goal. The Spain international rounded Racing goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta and scored.
The hosts were forced to go on the offensive and twice put the ball in Barcelona’s net, but both of Manex Lozano’s goals were ruled out for offside.
Barca goalkeeper Garcia made a superb save to deny Lozano one-on-one deep in stoppage time, preventing the game from going to extra time.
Barca secured their win with the last kick of the match, Yamal tapping in Raphinha’s cross at the back post.
“We played the game we had to play. We played a 10 out of 10 match, with two offside goals and the chance at the end… it’s okay, it’s football,” said Racing defender Alvaro Mantilla.
Elsewhere, Valencia won 2-0 at Burgos to reach the last eight.
(With AFP Inputs)
Barcelona, Spain
January 16, 2026, 08:26 IST
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