Hansi Flick has the Blaugrana firing on all cylinders. Honestly, after that 3-2 Supercup thriller against Real Madrid, everyone is asking the same thing: when is fc barcelona's next game? You've probably seen the highlights of Raphinha tearing it up in Saudi Arabia, but the celebrations have to be short-lived because the schedule is absolutely relentless right now.
Football never sleeps. Especially not in January.
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The Immediate Schedule: Real Racing Club vs FC Barcelona
Barcelona's next match is today, Thursday, January 15, 2026. They are shifting gears from the glamour of the Supercup in Jeddah to the gritty atmosphere of El Sardinero. This is a Round of 16 clash in the Copa del Rey against Real Racing Club.
The game kicks off at 21:00 CET (local Spanish time). If you’re watching from the states, that’s 12:00 PM PST or 3:00 PM EST.
It's a classic "trap" game. Racing de Santander is having a decent run, and El Sardinero is never an easy place to visit when the wind starts whipping off the Cantabrian Sea. Flick is expected to rotate heavily. You'll likely see some of the younger kids like Marc Bernal getting a serious look.
Why the Next Few Weeks are Chaos
The club is currently juggling three different competitions. It's a logistical nightmare. Just look at the turnaround:
- January 15: Racing Santander (Copa del Rey)
- January 18: Real Sociedad (La Liga)
- January 21: Slavia Prague (Champions League)
- January 25: Real Oviedo (La Liga)
- January 28: FC Copenhagen (Champions League)
They are basically playing every three days.
The trip to San Sebastián to face Real Sociedad on Sunday is particularly daunting. Anoeta has historically been a house of horrors for Barça, though Flick’s high-pressing system seems better suited for those tough away days than the ponderous possession styles of years past.
Champions League Pressure
The European stage is where things get spicy. Matchday 7 of the Champions League league phase takes them to Prague. While Slavia Prague might not have the name recognition of a Bayern or a City, they are notoriously difficult to break down at the Fortuna Arena.
Barça needs points. Every goal matters in this new league format.
The Squad Situation and Injury Updates
You can't talk about the upcoming games without mentioning the fitness of the squad. Raphinha is the man of the hour, but word out of the camp is he’s been playing through some serious muscle discomfort in his left hamstring. He was subbed off at the 83rd minute against Madrid just to save him from a total tear.
Flick has a delicate balancing act. He needs the win, but he can't afford to lose his captain.
Gavi is still the biggest talking point. He’s closing in on a February return after that devastating knee injury. Seeing him back in full training has given the fans a massive emotional boost, even if he won't be on the pitch for the Racing or Sociedad games.
Then there is the João Cancelo situation. He's finally registered and ready to go. Having his versatility on the flanks is going to be huge for the rotation during this January slog.
How to Watch and What to Expect
For the Copa del Rey match today, the broadcast rights are a bit of a patchwork. In Spain, it's usually on Movistar or RTVE. For international fans, ESPN+ typically carries the domestic cup games in the US.
Expect a "B-team" feel for the first 60 minutes today. Flick wants to see if the bench can handle the pressure. If things go south, expect to see Robert Lewandowski or Lamine Yamal come off the bench to bail them out.
Keep an eye on the weather in Santander. Rain is forecast, which always makes these cup ties a bit more unpredictable.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your local listings for the Copa del Rey broadcast at least an hour before the 21:00 CET kickoff to ensure your subscription is active.
- Monitor the starting XI at 20:00 CET; if Raphinha is missing entirely from the bench, it suggests his hamstring issue might be more significant than the club is letting on.
- Track the yellow card situation in the upcoming Real Sociedad game, as several key players are nearing a suspension limit in La Liga.
- Download the official FC Barcelona app to get real-time alerts for the Champions League squad list traveling to Prague next Tuesday.