Second-half goals from Ferran Torres and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal powered Barcelona to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over second-division leaders Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, booking their place in the quarter-finals.
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After a tightly contested first half, Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when Torres timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap, collected a through ball and calmly rounded goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta before slotting into an empty net.
Racing pushed hard for an equaliser late in the game and were given a golden opportunity in stoppage time when substitute Manex Lozano found himself clear on goal. However, he chose to shoot from close range instead of passing to an unmarked teammate, allowing Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia to make the save.
Barcelona immediately capitalised on the miss. In the ensuing counter-attack, Raphinha delivered a low cross into the box, where Yamal finished clinically to seal the victory.
Barcelona join Athletic Bilbao, Alaves, Albacete, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Valencia in the last eight. The Spanish FA will hold the quarter-final draw on Monday, with matches scheduled to take place between February 3 and 5.
Determined to avoid an upset similar to Real Madrid’s shock elimination by Albacete earlier in the week, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick named a near full-strength side at El Sardinero Stadium.
The visitors dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to break down a well-organised Racing side. Dani Olmo missed a clear chance, while Garcia produced a sharp save to deny Racing’s Camara Suleiman before the break.
Following Torres’ opener, Ezkieta kept Racing in contention with two excellent saves in quick succession, stopping efforts from Fermin Lopez and substitute Robert Lewandowski in the 80th minute. Racing also had two late goals ruled out for offside as the hosts pressed desperately for an equaliser.
Ultimately, Yamal’s late strike ensured Barcelona’s progression into the quarter-finals.
