The Copa del Rey Round of 16 is underway and, although Barcelona are clear favorites, facing Racing de Santander, the leaders of Spain’s Segunda División, at El Sardinero will be no easy task.

How do Barcelona and Racing arrive for the Copa del Rey clash?

The Blaugrana come into the match in outstanding form, fresh off winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid and riding a 10-match winning streak. Barcelona had not reached double-digit consecutive victories in over a decade.

Racing de Santander, meanwhile, eliminated Villarreal in the previous round of the Copa del Rey and currently sit top of the Segunda División. However, they are coming off a heavy defeat against Real Zaragoza and will face another tough test on Sunday against Las Palmas.

Barcelona absences for the Copa del Rey

Although João Cancelo has returned, Flick must cope with the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen. Pablo Páez Gavira (Gavi) is still recovering from a knee injury, while Frenkie de Jong will miss the match due to suspension after his red card in the Super Cup.

Racing de Santander absences

Racing head coach José Alberto López will welcome back Juan Carlos Arana, Pablo Ramón, and French full-back Clément Michelin, leaving Asier Villalibre as the team’s only confirmed absentee.

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