Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-0 win away at Racing Santander on Thursday night.
Goals from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal were enough for the holders, who made it 11 consecutive victories in all competitions.
Hansi Flick named a strong side despite facing second-division opposition, with teenage star Yamal included after Real Madrid’s shock exit to Albacete a day earlier.
After a delayed kick-off at El Sardinero, Barcelona dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances in the opening stages. Dani Olmo miscontrolled Marcus Rashford’s dangerous cross as Racing stayed compact.
The hosts attempted to exploit Barcelona’s high line, but Joan Garcia dealt comfortably with Giorgi Guliashvili’s long-range effort — Racing’s best chance of the first half.
Barcelona increased the pressure after the break, with Rashford forcing a save before firing narrowly wide.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Fermin Lopez slipped Torres through on goal, and the Spain international rounded Jokin Ezkieta before calmly finishing.
Racing were forced forward and twice thought they had equalised, but both of Manex Lozano’s efforts were ruled out for offside.
Garcia then made a crucial late save to deny Lozano one-on-one and prevent extra time.
Barcelona wrapped up the win with the final touch of the match, Yamal tapping in Raphinha’s cross at the back post.
Elsewhere in the Copa del Rey, Valencia also progressed to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory away at Burgos.
