Verdict: Barcelona to score in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention to Copa del Rey duties on Thursday night, Barcelona will travel to Cantabria when they meet Racing Santander.
Racing Santander
Starting with the hosts, while Racing Santander might have suffered play-off heartbreak, the Verdiblancos certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Leading the chase at the top of the Segunda standings and with their sights set on securing an iconic La Liga return in 2025, Jose Alberto Lopez’s camp have rightfully received a string of plaudits from up and down the country. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure thanks to a famous 2-1 victory at home against Villarreal, Racing will certainly be relishing a monumental challenge on Thursday night. However, last seen over the weekend falling to an action-packed 3-2 loss at the hands of Zaragoza, Lopez’s promotion contender have failed to win any of their previous four Segunda showdowns and are enduring their longest winless rut so far this season.
Racing Santander Team News
While academy graduate Alvero Mantilla might be set to serve a Segunda suspension, the 25-year-old is free to feature on Thursday night. Despite missing out against Zaragoza over the weekend, Santander are hopeful that former Eibar striker Juan Arana will return to Lopez’s squad.
Bagging a consolation strike on Saturday night, Colombian international Gustavo Puerta will start in the middle of the park. Completing a season-long loan switch from Juventus over the summer, Facundo Gonzalez could be partnered alongside one-time Real Madrid youngster Manu.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, crowned Super Cup champions over in Saudi Arabia last weekend as they secured a 3-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona find themselves at the heart of an extended fairytale. Retaining their La Liga crown last season and once again leading the chase at the top of the table, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad have rightfully received a fearsome reputation from across the continent. With their sights set on completing another domestic silverware sweep in 2026, the former Bayern Munich boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Likewise, winning all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions, the reigning Spanish champions will simply be looking to make another domestic statement when they travel to Cantabria on Thursday night.
Barcelona Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Barcelona will once again be without the duo of Andreas Christensen and Spanish international Gavi. However, making an emotional return during Sunday’s Super Cup success against Real Madrid, Ronald Araujo could make a first start since the end of November.
Given what is a speedy turnaround continuing on from their famous night in Saudi Arabia, Flick will certainly make a string of alterations here. Making a real impact since arriving from Manchester United on a season-long loan switch last summer, England international Marcus Rashford should lead the line here.
Racing Santander vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona last travelled to Santander back in 2012, the reigning Spanish champions claimed a 2-0 victory.
- Including their Super Cup success over in Saudi Arabia last weekend, Barca have won all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Despite leading the chase at the top of the Segunda standings, Santander have failed to win any of their previous four consecutive Segunda appearances.
- Barcelona have bagged 53 goals in their 19 La Liga appearances so far this season.
- Continuing on from their Super Cup exploits, Flick’s side have won all of their previous six straight showdowns outside of Catalonia.
Conclusion
While Racing Santander might have claimed a heavyweight Copa del Rey scalp last month as they secured a 2-1 victory against Villarreal, Thursday’s hosts will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge here. Watching Barcelona defend their Super Cup crown over in Saudi Arabia last weekend as they claimed a rollercoaster 3-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Flick’s side have now won all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Despite facing a speedy turnaround following on from their Middle Eastern exploits, we are backing Barca to extend on their Copa del Rey adventure in midweek.
Verdict: Barcelona to score in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
