ESPN FC Barcelona advance in Copa del Rey
Jan 16, 2026
Ian Darke, a seasoned football commentator, and Luis Garcia, former professional footballer, dive into Barcelona's hard-fought victory in the Copa del Rey, spotlighting Ferran Torres' impact. They also discuss Real Madrid's shocking elimination by Albacete and the locker room turmoil that followed. The panel debates Xabi Alonso's brief tenure and the deeper issues plaguing Real Madrid. Additionally, insights on Arsenal's tactical prowess in set-pieces are explored, alongside a preview of the Manchester Derby, setting the stage for an exciting weekend ahead.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Barcelona's Hard-Fought Progress
- Barcelona scraped a 2-0 Copa del Rey win but were made to work hard by Racing Santander's organized challenge.
- Ferran Torres continued his fine form and provided a clinical breakthrough that settled the tie.
Albacete's Upset Over Real Madrid
- Albacete, a struggling second-division side, produced a 'performance of the season' to beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
- The result dominated Spanish front pages and left Real Madrid facing widespread embarrassment.
Dressing-Room Dysfunction At Real Madrid
- Real Madrid's exit revealed deeper dressing-room problems and a lack of consistent professionalism among players.
- Craig Burley and Luis Garcia argued that leaders like Dani Carvajal must deliver tough truths to restore standards.