José María Sánchez Martínez, the referee for Racing-Barça in the Copa del Rey round of 16

FC Barcelona faces Racing de Santander this Thursday, January 15 (9:00 PM CEST) in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey 2025/26, with José María Sánchez Martínez officiating. The referee from Murcia was appointed by the Referees Technical Committee (CTA) alongside David Gálvez (VAR).

This season, Sánchez Martínez has already refereed one Barça match. The 42-year-old referee was the main official in the match against Athletic (4-0), on the official return to the Spotify Camp Nou for matchday 13 of LaLiga. That day there were only a couple of yellow cards, both for the Basque team, which also saw Oihan Sancet sent off.

How has Barça fared in matches officiated by José María Sánchez Martínez?

In total, the referee from Murcia has officiated 37 Barça matches, with a favorable balance for the Catalans: 29 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses. In the Copa del Rey, Barça's last match with Sánchez Martínez was last season, also in the round of 16, against Betis

The Catalans played at home in Montjuïc and won with a 'handful' (5-1). That day there were two yellow cards per side, with Raphinha and Gavi cautioned for the Blaugrana team. In 24/25, the referee, with LaLiga experience since 2015/16, also officiated Barça's away wins against Valencia (1-2) and Real Madrid (0-4).

The Catalans' last defeat with José María Sánchez Martínez as the main referee took place on January 24, 2024, in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals against Athletic (4-2 after extra time). For Racing, on the other hand, he officiated three times, with no victories for the Cantabrians

Barça's record in matches officiated by José María Sánchez Martínez:

1. Games: 37
2. Wins: 29
3. Draws: 2
4. Losses: 6

Barcelona seeks to prolong its dominance in the Copa del Rey

Against Racing, Barcelona will seek to continue their successful title defense and overcome their sixth consecutive tie under Hansi Flick's command. The Catalans are the most successful team in the Copa del Rey with 32 titles and, since 2010, have only lost 5 of their last 57 ties in the tournament.

The Catalans haven't fallen in the round of 16 since 2022 (3-2 against Athletic) and reached the final in 10 of the last 20 editions, with 7 titles (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2025) and a total of 15 appearances in the 'semis'. Against Racing, the last precedent dates back to the 1988-89 season, also in the round of 16, with a 4-2 aggregate victory for the Blaugrana.