The upcoming Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash between Racing Santander and FC Barcelona, scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, has garnered significant attention, particularly due to a bold statement from Racing's head coach. Jose Alberto Lopez expressed an optimistic outlook for his team, declaring, 'If we play at our best, we can get through the tie, because when the ball starts rolling, everything is equal. We have a 50% chance of winning.' This sentiment, while acknowledging the disparity between the two clubs, highlights Racing's determination to upset the Spanish giants. Lopez also praised Barcelona as 'the most in-form team in the world and the worst opponent to face' ahead of the highly anticipated fixture. FC Barcelona, currently managed by Hansi Flick, enters this cup tie fresh off their Spanish Super Cup victory, marking their fourth trophy under Flick's leadership. Reports indicate that Flick is rotating his squad for the Copa del Rey match, with Joan Garcia set to start in goal ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Other key players like Pedri, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha may also be rested, with Flick emphasizing the importance of managing player fatigue while remaining focused on the competition. Racing Santander, currently leading Spain's Segunda Division, poses a serious threat, having eliminated Villarreal in the previous round. The match, set to be played at El Sardinero, is expected to draw a lively crowd and intense competition as both teams vie for a spot in the quarter-finals.