Before Barcelona take on Athletic Club in their semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup, the club have learnt their opponent in the Round of 16.
After beating CD Guadalajara in the Round of 32, Barcelona will take on Racing Santander in the next round of the Copa Del Rey.
The match will be played next week at the Campos de Sport de El Sardinero, and no one is more excited than Racing captain Inigo Sainz-Maza.
What Sainz-Maza said about Barcelona clash
In a recent interview with Racing Santander’s media, Sainz-Maza reflected on the draw.
“They are a very difficult opponent, but also very exciting. El Sardinero and all of us are eager to experience a match of this level. I hope we can get through the tie,” he said.
“There will surely be a spectacular atmosphere in the stadium,” added the 27-year-old midfielder, who has been playing at Racing all his career.
🏆 El Racing recibirá al Fútbol Club Barcelona en los Campos de Sport en los octavos de final de la Copa del Rey #CopaDelReyMapfre
🗣️ El capitán verdiblanco, Íñigo, asegura que “es un rival supercomplicado, pero a la vez muy ilusionante” https://t.co/WFWuQInkbR pic.twitter.com/3jpscoWuB1
— Real Racing Club (@realracingclub) January 7, 2026
Sainz-Maza recalled that Barcelona last visited the stadium back in 2012, when he was still a ballboy at the stadium.
“Back then, I used to be a ball boy in the La Gradona area, and now I’m going to have the chance to enjoy it from the pitch. It’s going to be wonderful, I hope it’s a great night,” he said.
Although Sainz-Maza has not been a regular for Racing Santander this season, he has still played a key role in the success of the second-division outfit, who are currently leading the table.
Indeed, Racing Santander are leading the La Liga 2 table by a point. Talking about the season so far, Sainz-Maza stated that the team is keen on securing a promotion to the top division next season.
“Our goal is to fight to ensure these matches take place in La Liga next year,” he concluded.