Barcelona aim to keep their red-hot run going against Racing
Barcelona players in action during the team's training session at Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 15, 2026. (EPA Photo)


Barcelona will look to maintain their perfect start to the La Liga season when they host promoted Racing de Santander at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Hansi Flick's side have won all five of their league matches, scoring 21 goals, and sit three points clear of second-place Real Madrid at the top of the standings. Racing, meanwhile, have made a respectable return to the Spanish top flight and enter the match 10th with seven points.

Barcelona have been ruthless in front of goal, following their 4-2 league victory over Levante with a 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord last week. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have each scored six league goals, while the Brazilian's move into a more central attacking role has added another dimension to Barcelona's already potent forward line.

With Barcelona producing goals at such a rate, Racing face a daunting task against a side that have looked almost unstoppable in the final third.

History also strongly favors the hosts. The clubs have met 101 times in all competitions, with Barcelona winning 63 and Racing 17. Racing's last victory over the Catalan giants came in January 2004, while Barcelona have won each of their last eight meetings.

Still, Racing have plenty of reason for optimism after winning the Segunda Division last season to earn promotion back to Spain's top flight.

Jose Alberto Lopez's side beat Alaves 2-1 in their previous match to move to two wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening five games. They have scored nine goals, showing plenty of attacking ambition, although they have also conceded nine, the most among the teams currently in the top 11.

Their away form has been less convincing, with Racing losing both of their league matches on the road. A trip to Barcelona represents their biggest test yet.

Barcelona will again be without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both of whom are recovering from knee injuries. Gerard Martin is expected to be available despite suffering a facial cut against Levante, although Flick could choose to rest him, potentially opening the door for Andreas Christensen.

Anthony Gordon is expected to join Raphinha and Yamal in the attack, while Xavi Espart could continue at left-back.

Racing will be without Simon Eriksson because of a shoulder injury, Andres Martin because of a knee problem and Andre Almeida through suspension.

Lopez could stick with the lineup that started against Alaves, with experienced midfielder Sergio Canales expected to retain his place.

One player Barcelona will need to watch closely is Yassir Zabiri. The 21-year-old has been one of Racing's standout performers this season, scoring five goals in five appearances, and will lead the visitors' attacking threat at Camp Nou.