Barcelona overcome tough test to advance in Copa del Rey
Defending champions Barcelona secured their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at second-division leaders Racing Santander. The win comes just a day after rivals Real Madrid suffered a shock elimination to Albacete.
In a match where dominance in possession did not translate to clear chances, Barcelona finally broke through in the second half.
Substitute Fermín López played a superb through-ball, allowing captain for the night Ferran Torres to round the goalkeeper and score.
The Catalan side sealed the win in stoppage time when 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal tapped in a cross from Raphinha at the far post. Santander, who top the Segunda División, offered resilient resistance in their bid to return to La Liga.
Barcelona, who stylishly won last season’s final against Real Madrid, await Monday’s draw for the last eight. Under manager Hansi Flick, they remain on course to defend their title in a competition that has already seen significant upheaval.
