Overview
- Barcelona visit El Sardinero on Thursday for a Copa del Rey round‑of‑16 tie just four days after lifting the Supercopa.
- Flick warned that Racing, leaders of LaLiga Hypermotion and recent eliminators of Villarreal, are a young and brave side buoyed by home support.
- Joao Cancelo’s signing was officially confirmed Tuesday and he is expected to get limited minutes, with Ronald Araujo also in line after a brief Supercopa return.
- Joan García is the likely starter in goal, with Flick saying the final decision will be made on matchday.
- Christensen and Gavi are out injured and Frenkie de Jong is suspended, as Flick weighs rotations during a congested stretch.