FC Barcelona achieved a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Racing de Santander in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, played at the historic El Sardinero stadium. The match, corresponding to the 2025/26 season, was held on January 15, 2026 and allowed the Blaugrana team to advance to the quarterfinals of the KO tournament, maintaining their impressive streak of eleven consecutive victories in all competitions under the direction of Hansi Flick.

The game was intense from the opening whistle. Racing, leader of the Second Division (LaLiga Hypermotion) and led by José Alberto López, stood up bravely and with an offensive approach that at times recalled the style of Barça itself. The Cantabrians, with tickets sold out in their more than 22,000 seats, generated an electric atmosphere and did not flinch against the champion of the Spanish Super Cup. In fact, Racing had previously eliminated Villarreal in previous rounds, demonstrating its ability to compete against higher category teams.

In the first half, Barça dominated possession, but Racing looked solid in defense and dangerous in quick transitions. Players like Giorgi Guliashvili, Suleiman and Arana tried to surprise with sporadic arrivals, while Barça, with a very starting eleven despite the difference in category, did not find the necessary clarity in the final meters. Ferran Torres, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal and others tried to pierce the goal defended by Jokin Ezkieta, but the score remained 0-0 at halftime.

The second part brought the imbalance. Approximately into the 60th minute, Fermín López starred in a genius in midfield with a masterful pass that left Ferran Torres alone. The forward did not forgive and finished voraciously to make it 0-1. The goal broke the tie and forced Racing to open up more in search of an equalizer, which left spaces that Barça knew how to exploit in the final moments.

Already in stoppage time, Lamine Yamal sealed the match with the final 0-2. The young winger, who had been a constant threat throughout the match with his dribbling and overflowing, completed a collective play to seal a place in the quarterfinals. His performance was highlighted by the press and analysts, but what really caused surprise was José Alberto López’s subsequent statement at a press conference.

The Asturian Racing coach, known for his direct and sincere comments—let us remember his previous words about the support for Barça as a “club gesture, sir” despite the criticism, or his crude phrase that the racing fans “have been swallowing shit for thirteen years”—, surprised by effusively praising a culé player. “Since I started my career as a coach, I have never seen such a talented player,” said José Alberto, visibly impressed.

What was unexpected was the name chosen: it was not Lamine Yamal (although he shone with a 9 in the ratings), nor Fermín López (author of the key assist and score 8.5), nor established figures such as Lewandowski or Raphinha (who came off the bench). The praise went to Fermín López, the 22-year-old midfielder trained at La Masia, who in this match demonstrated exceptional maturity and vision of the game.

José Alberto, who had previously praised Barça’s collective defensive intensity under Flick, focused his admiration on this young man who, despite not yet being a global media “superstar”, showed a level that left many observers stunned.

“His ability to read the game, the pass he gave for the first goal… is something special. It’s not just talent, it’s pure football intelligence,” added the Verdiblanco coach, generating an immediate stir on social networks and the media. The phrase quickly went viral, since few expected the coach of the losing team to highlight a player who was not so well known in the media in a context of defeat.

Barcelona, ​​for its part, celebrated the pass without excessive rotations – Flick lined up a large part of its starters to avoid surprises – and is now preparing for the quarterfinals with high morale. The team maintains its candidacy to retain the Copa del Rey title won last season, and this victory in a complicated scenario reinforces the idea that Flick’s project is consolidated.

For Racing, despite the elimination, the match leaves a bittersweet but positive taste. They competed head-to-head against one of the best teams in the world today, created chances and showed why they are the undisputed leaders of the Second Division. José Alberto, in his post-match analysis, recognized the Blaugrana’s superiority but appreciated the effort: “It was difficult for us because they are very solid, but I am proud of how we approached it. And yes, that Barça boy… is from another planet.”

This type of crossed praise is not common in today’s football, where statements tend to be more cautious. That a rival coach highlights a young and not so established player like this adds a human and sporting touch to the duel. Fermín López, who has been growing exponentially under Flick, now receives the recognition of an experienced coach like José Alberto, which could boost him even further in his career.

Barça remains undefeated in 2026 in the cup competitions and is on its way to possible new titles. Meanwhile, Racing looks at promotion with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that they have measured their strength against the elite and have not made a fool of themselves. Football, in the end, thrives on these moments: victories suffered, unexpected praise and emerging talents that surprise even the most seasoned.