Flick is old, but he's not stupid: his on-the-spot notes from Racing-Barça

BarcelonaBarça will play in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals after overcoming a magnificent Racing Santander side. Ferran Torres, who scored the first goal, and Joan Garcia, who made a crucial save in stoppage time, were the key players. They secured the victory (0-2). Here are some quick notes.

Just like Arbeloa. Barça had been warned after Real Madrid's humiliating defeat in Albacete and had to work incredibly hard to eliminate a top-flight opponent despite playing in the second division. The Cup is tough because smaller teams see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, while bigger clubs risk becoming overconfident. Unlike Arbeloa, who left several starters at home in his debut as Real Madrid manager, Flick rotated only the bare minimum – Pedri, Eric, and Raphinha, among the undisputed starters – and it paid off. More tactical changes would have made things even more complicated. Lamine Yamal played 90 minutes: it was fortunate that his workload was being managed due to pubalgia. Sometimes you think they're just trying to fool us...

This is a wake-up call. Barça were playing a very solid match against the Segunda División leaders, but they couldn't find passing lanes easily. Ferran Torres, starting at El Sardinero, was constantly trying to make runs, lurking between the center-backs, but he barely touched the ball. The problem wasn't so much him as it was his teammates, who weren't sharp enough in the final third. Without Pedri, they lacked a clinical eye in tight spaces. And without Fermín, they lacked the ability to drive forward. The moment the Andalusian came onto the pitch, the team found a way to get Ferran involved. He raced into space to beat Ezkieta like the great Ronaldo – a cut inside the goalkeeper and a clinical finish. This month alone, Fermín has already provided three assists for decisive goals. Sensational.

Rashford's situation... It would be wise for Barça to think twice before dedicating one of the highest salaries on the roster to permanently acquire the English striker. It would be great if the club seriously considered whether it's worth paying Manchester United around 30 million leap euros to bring in a player who isn't a guaranteed starter under Flick, who has similar lapses in concentration to Dembélé, and who displays far fewer flashes of brilliance than the current Ballon d'Or winner. But apparently, the decision has already been made mid-season, and they're already looking for ways to lower the cost. Some people really don't have to prove themselves to get a ticket at the Camp Nou. There's nothing like having powerful connections!

Clear and German. Speaking of godfathers, Ter Stegen doesn't have many. His agent, in fact, is quite discreet. He doesn't invite executives to his birthday parties or help him sell tickets. VIPHowever, he'll have his work cut out for him in the next two weeks to convince the Barcelona goalkeeper that it's best for him to find a way to get playing time before the World Cup. After starting him in the Copa del Rey round of 32 against all odds, Flick, who is anything but foolish, changed his mind in the round of 16. "Joan Garcia is our number one and that's why he plays," defended the coach, who celebrated the decision in the 93rd minute when the Sallent native saved the 1-1 draw. Szczesny is doing well, but Ter Stegen aspires to more. Girona is your ideal destination, Marcos.