Racing Santander coach José Alberto López has challenged his players to show courage when they face La Liga leaders Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The Cantabrian side are aiming to produce a surprise against Hansi Flick’s in-form team.
López said the fixture represents a childhood dream for many of his players, who are eager to compete in one of football’s most famous stadiums. However, he admitted that Barcelona’s current form makes the contest extremely difficult.
“We have a mission we all dreamed of since childhood: to play in stadiums like tomorrow’s. It is an extremely difficult match away from home given Barcelona’s current level, but we will try to be brave, to show our usual capabilities, and to display boldness.” López said.
He urged Racing to remain brave, play with personality and show the qualities that have helped them make a positive start to the campaign.
Racing will be without André Almeida through suspension, while Simon Eriksson and Andrés Martín are unavailable because of injuries.
López also rejected comparisons with the teams’ previous Copa del Rey meeting, insisting that a league match would present a different challenge.
The Racing coach praised Barcelona’s attacking variety and their aggressive pressing after losing possession.
He warned that Flick’s players offer little time for opponents to settle, meaning Racing must remain alert whenever they give the ball away.
López refused to reveal his starting line-up, saying selection decisions would be based on performance rather than reputation.
He added that Racing must defend as far from their own goal as possible, remain united and make a huge collective effort if they are to leave Camp Nou with a positive result.
The task will be especially demanding for Racing given Barcelona’s perfect start to the league season. Flick’s side have won all five of their opening matches and sit top of the table with 15 points, while Racing have collected seven points from their first five games.
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