Barcelona endured their most turbulent spell of the season early on, with a defence that looked fragile and prone to errors. Yet despite those shortcomings, they emerged from that period largely unscathed in domestic competition.
Real Madrid now appear to be entering a similar phase of uncertainty. Defeat in the Supercopa de España, elimination from the Copa del Rey, and unconvincing performances even in victory have exposed deeper issues. With Xabi Alonso departing and the inexperienced Álvaro Arbeloa stepping in on an interim basis, that instability may persist for some time yet.
Championships require both performance and cohesion. For Real Madrid, a roster of superstars necessitates a collective humility that the squad currently lacks; their struggle to gel suggests that assembling elite talent without a tactical ineffectiveness and squad cohesion is ineffective.
Underestimating Albacete has already cost the club a domestic trophy. If Barcelona maintains its current league pace, that loss may represent Real Madrid's final missed opportunity for silverware this season.
The performances of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all come under scrutiny, while Kylian Mbappé’s individual form has often stood out. Yet since his arrival, the club have failed to lift a single trophy, an uncomfortable narrative beginning to follow the Frenchman, and one some are already whispering about as a curse
Hansi Flick prioritizes team cohesion over individual status. As demonstrated yesterday evening, key players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí operate strictly within the system. Flick’s decision to field a strong lineup further underscores that Barcelona views the Copa del Rey with the same importance as the Champions League.
The inclusion of Joan García proved pivotal to the result, making three saves in the first 20 minutes to halt Racing’s counter-attacks. After García made a final crucial save in stoppage time to deny an equalizer, Lamine Yamal scored on the counter-attack to secure Barcelona's place in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona managed the game with a composure that Real Madrid currently lacks. Despite late pressure and several narrow escapes, Barcelona remained disciplined but Racing Santander’s failure to convert their chances, whether due to Barcelona’s defensive skill or fortune, spared Flick’s side a more difficult finish.
The substitutions of Pedri, Raphinha, and Lewandowski immediately after the goal signaled Flick’s intent to secure the result. These inclusions shifted the momentum entirely to Barcelona for the final 20 minutes.