Holders Barcelona had to battle hard to beat Racing Santander away from home and reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The match was tougher than expected, with the second-division side putting up strong resistance for long periods.
Barcelona, who top La Liga, controlled most of the game but struggled to break through until the second half. The breakthrough came when Ferran Torres ran clear on goal, rounded the goalkeeper and scored to put Barca ahead.
Teenager Lamine Yamal then made sure of the win in stoppage time, finishing from close range after a cross from Raphinha. Santander, who lead Spain’s second division and are chasing promotion, showed why they are difficult opponents.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid were surprisingly knocked out by second-tier Albacete in what was Alvaro Arbeloa’s first match as manager. Barcelona, who beat Real in last season’s final, will find out their quarter-final opponents on Monday.
