BARCELONA: Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal struck as Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Racing Santander on Thursday.
The holders were made to work hard by the Segunda Division leaders in a tight last-16 tie at El Sardinero, extending Barca’s winning run to 11 matches in all competitions.
After a delayed kickoff due to fans being held outside the stadium, Barcelona dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, with Dani Olmo miscuing from Marcus Rashford’s cross in the first half.
Barca pushed harder after the break, Rashford forcing a save and firing narrowly wide, before the breakthrough arrived.
Fermin Lopez released Torres, who rounded goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta and slotted home.
Racing responded strongly and twice found the net through Manex Lozano, but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Barcelona sealed the win with the final touch of the match, Yamal tapping in Raphinha’s cross at the back post.
Elsewhere, Valencia progressed to the last eight with a 2-0 victory at Burgos. – AFP
