Racing x Barcelona lineup: where to watch the delayed Copa Del Rey game liveBy Carolina Costa
6 min read
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Real Racing Club and FC Barcelona are preparing for a clash awaited by the Copa del Marcado on January 15, 2026, at 5:15 pm (Brasília time), the clash for the round of 16 pits teams with different aspirations face to face, but with a common objective: to advance in the traditional knockout competition.
This game, which represents one of the crucial stages of the tournament, captures the attention of football fans due to the unpredictability inherent in knockout matches. The Copa del Rey is known for providing great upsets and unforgettable moments, where passion and tactics meet in the open field.
The city of Santander mobilizes to welcome one of the giants of world football, while Racing Club seeks to assert the home advantage to overcome the challenge. The expectation is for a strategic duel, where every tactical detail can be decisive in defining the future of both teams in the competition.
Details of the confrontation in Santander
The El Sardinero stadium will be the stage for this important meeting, located in the vibrant city of Santander, in Espanha. The match, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, is scheduled to start at 20:15 UTC (local time), attracting the attention of fans and football analysts from different parts of the world.
The Copa del Rey, as a knockout competition, requires teams to present their best performance in each game, as any slip-up could mean elimination. Este format adds an extra layer of drama and intensity to every minute played, turning each match into a true final for the clubs involved.
The confirmed lineups for the pitch
The teams released their confirmed lineups, showing the strategies of José Alberto López for Racing Club and Hans-Dieter Flick for Barcelona. Racing will enter the field with a 4-4-2 formation, seeking defensive solidity and quick transitions. Jogadores as J. Ezkieta in goal, A. Mantilla and J. Castro in defense, S. Camara and A.
On the Barcelona side, the bet is on a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing ball possession and the club’s characteristic offensive pressure. The defense will have J. Koundé, P. Cubarsí and A. Balde, while the midfield will have M. Casadó and M. In attack, L. Yamal, F. Torres and M. Rashford will have the mission to create opportunities and score goals.
Coaches’ choices reflect the desire to maximize the qualities of their squads and exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. Enquanto Racing seeks solidity and the opportunity to surprise, Barcelona tries to impose its rhythm and the technical quality of its players to dominate the confrontation from the first minute.
Racing Club’s journey in the tournament
Real Racing Club reaches this stage of Copa del Rey after overcoming significant challenges in previous rounds, demonstrating resilience and the ability to compete. The team, which usually plays in divisions below Barcelona, sees this clash as a golden opportunity to prove its worth and write a new chapter in its history in Spanish football.
Preparing for a game of this magnitude involves not only tactical and physical aspects, but also a strong psychological component. The Racing Club players are aware of the giant size of their opponent, but they are also motivated by the chance to eliminate one of the most traditional clubs in the Espanha and Europa. The energy of the fans at El Sardinero will be a crucial factor in boosting the team.
Historically, Racing Club has a respectable trajectory in Spanish football, with standout moments in the elite and memorable participation in national cups. Enfrentar o Barcelona at this stage is a reminder of the club’s rich history and an opportunity to rekindle the fans’ passion and consolidate an ambitious sporting project.
The massive support from fans is expected to create an electrifying atmosphere, capable of influencing the athletes’ performance. El Sardinero, known for its ability to push the home team, will certainly be a green and white fortress, seeking to intimidate the powerful opponent and be the 12th player on the field.
The Barcelona in the face of adversity in the World Cup
Barcelona, in turn, faces Copa del Rey with the usual pressure of a club of its stature, always aiming for all possible titles of the season. Sob under the command of Hans-Dieter
However, the Catalan club arrives at this clash with some important absences that could influence the game plan. Jogadores as well as Andreas Christensen, Pablo Gavi and Frenkie of Jong are unavailable, either due to injury or suspension. Essas casualties require the coach and the athletes who replace them to raise their level to maintain the team’s quality and momentum.
These circumstances force Barcelona to test the depth of their squad and the ability of their young talents or less used players to take on responsibilities in decisive moments. The Copa del Rey, in this scenario, becomes a valuable platform for other athletes to demonstrate their potential and secure their place in the main team.
Despite the absences, Barcelona’s playing philosophy, based on ball control and offense, should not be changed. Flick will probably seek to maintain intensity and the search for a goal from the beginning, taking advantage of the individual technical quality of its athletes to overcome Racing Club’s resistance and guarantee passage to the next phase of the tournament.
Expectations and history of duels
The confrontation between Real Racing Club and Barcelona, although not a frequent classic in recent decades, carries the intrinsic dynamics of Copa del Enquanto o Barcelona boasts a history full of national and international glories and titles, Racing seeks to build its own narrative of overcoming, and duels like this are the perfect opportunity to do so. The general history of clashes between the two teams, easily accessible on live scoring platforms, generally points to the hegemony of Barcelona, but the magic of Copa allows the underdog to dream bigger. Jose Maria Sanchez Santos’s refereeing will be fundamental to the conduct of the game, with his average of five cards per match indicating a style that can either control or allow for a more physical game, depending on the circumstances, requiring discipline from both sides.
How to watch live nationwide
For Brazilian fans who want to follow every step of this exciting Copa del Rey clash, the live broadcast will be available through ESPN channels. Além from television, the streaming service Disney+ will also offer complete coverage of the match, ensuring that fans do not miss a single detail, whether at home or anywhere with internet access.
Arbitration and the stage of the show
The responsibility for commanding the clash between Racing Club and Barcelona will be the responsibility of referee Jose Maria Sanchez Santos. Sua experience in high-level matches will be crucial to ensuring the fluidity and fairness of the game, managing emotions on the field and applying the rules impartially.
The El Sardinero stadium, located in Santander, is a venue with a rich history in Spanish football. Conhecido due to its striking architecture and the passion of its fans, the El Sardinero provides a unique atmosphere, especially in highly relevant games like this, adding a special charm to the setting of Copa del Rey.















