Soccer January 15, 2026

Barcelona arrive in Santander riding a tidal wave of momentum. Following their dramatic El Clasico victory over Real Madrid to defend the Spanish Super Cup crown, Hansi Flick's men have now won TEN consecutive matches across all competitions. The numbers are staggering: 14 goals scored and just 2 conceded over their last five outings, including FOUR clean sheets. This is a Barcelona side playing with supreme confidence and devastating efficiency.

The squad Flick has called up for this Round of 16 tie is absolutely loaded with talent. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, and Wojciech Szczesny provide three quality goalkeeping options. The defense features the emerging partnership of Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo, while Jules Kounde brings versatility and experience. In midfield, Pedri and Marc Casado orchestrate play, with Dani Olmo adding creative spark. Up front? Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and new signing Marcus Rashford. Oh, and João Cancelo is in the squad after just ONE day of training following his return loan from Manchester City.

But here's the thing about cup football: it doesn't respect reputation. Racing Santander knocked out Villarreal in the previous round, demonstrating they have enough quality to cause problems for any team. El Sardinero will be absolutely rocking for the biggest match in the club's modern history - this is their deepest ever Copa del Rey run, and the home support will give everything to make this a hostile environment for the Blaugrana.

Racing sit eighth in Liga Hypermotion (Spain's second division), just two points off the promotion playoff places after a 1-0 victory over Eibar. They're a disciplined, organized side that won't simply roll over for Barcelona. That said, the gulf in quality is massive - Barcelona's depth alone would challenge most teams in Europe, and Flick will rotate intelligently while still fielding an XI capable of dominating.

Note that Frenkie de Jong is suspended after receiving a red card in the Spanish Super Cup Final, but with Casado, Pedri, and Marc Bernal available, Barcelona won't miss a beat in midfield. The defending champions should handle business professionally, but Racing's Cup form suggests they'll compete fiercely before the quality differential tells. Expect Barcelona to win comfortably, but don't be surprised if Racing makes them work for it in the first half.

This is one of those genuine giant-killing opportunities that makes cup football so special. Burgos CF, a Segunda División side, host Valencia in what represents the deepest Copa del Rey run in their club's history. After knocking out Getafe 3-1 in the previous round, Burgos have proven they can compete with top-flight opposition. The El Plantío faithful will be absolutely electric for the biggest home match their club has ever hosted.

Valencia, meanwhile, are in crisis. Sitting 18th in La Liga with only ONE win in their last 14 league games, Los Che have been abysmal in domestic competition. They're winless in SIX consecutive La Liga matches, and the confidence is rock bottom. Manager Carlos Corberán is under immense pressure, and the players look like a group searching for answers that simply aren't there.

The betting market tells an interesting story here. Valencia are listed at -105 favorites, giving them a 51% implied win probability - far lower than you'd typically expect for a La Liga club against second-division opposition. Burgos at +320 represents genuine upset value for a team that has already demonstrated they can beat top-flight sides this campaign. The draw at +325 is also intriguing given Valencia's inability to find wins.

Burgos have been one of the most disciplined sides in Liga Hypermotion, currently eighth in the table with 32 points - just two points off the playoff zone. Their 1-0 victory over Eibar showed a team that knows how to grind out results, and their defensive organization will frustrate a Valencia attack that has struggled mightily for goals.

This has all the ingredients for a cup upset. Valencia's league form is catastrophic, their confidence is shot, and they're traveling to face a fired-up opponent playing the biggest match in their history. Burgos will compete like their lives depend on it, while Valencia might sleepwalk through yet another dispiriting performance. If you're looking for value on this slate, Burgos or the draw at plus money is where to find it.