Barcelona travels to Racing Santander on Thursday, January 15th, in a Copa del Rey matchup that pits the Spanish giants against a strong Segunda División leader. The game presents a potential challenge for Barcelona, who recently won the Spanish Super Cup but now face a Santander side that, while in good league form, has hit a recent draw streak.
Match Details and Kick-Off Times
The match will take place at Estadio El Sardinero, with kick-off at 9 p.m. CET (Central European Time). For viewers in the United States, this translates to a 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT start. UK fans can tune in at 8 p.m. GMT, while those in Australia will need to wake up early for a 7 a.m. AEDT kickoff on Friday.
Where to Watch: Global Options
- United States: The game will be broadcast on ESPN Select.
- United Kingdom: Exclusive coverage is available on Premier Sports 1 and through the Premier Sports Player. Subscriptions start from £8.
- Canada: Unfortunately, no Canadian broadcaster currently holds the rights to the Copa del Rey.
- Australia: Like Canada, Australian viewers will not find live coverage of this match on major networks. La Liga is shown on beIN Sports, but the Copa del Rey is not included.
Streaming Solutions for International Viewers
For fans traveling or living outside broadcast regions, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to access geo-restricted streams.
- ExpressVPN is a leading provider, offering speeds and reliability for uninterrupted streaming. Current deals offer up to 73% off with a two-year plan, starting at $3.49/month.
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, enhancing privacy and security. They can bypass geo-restrictions, but always check the streaming platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
Context and Implications
This Copa del Rey match is more than just another game for Barcelona. Following their Super Cup win, maintaining momentum is vital. Racing Santander, despite recent draws, poses a credible threat as a Segunda División leader, potentially challenging Barcelona’s cup run.
The availability of live streams varies significantly by region, highlighting the fragmentation of sports broadcasting rights. Fans in Canada and Australia are left without direct access, relying on VPNs or delayed highlights.
Ultimately, this match showcases Barcelona’s ambition in multiple competitions while underscoring the challenges for international fans in accessing live coverage. The game is a key test for both teams, with Barcelona seeking another trophy and Santander aiming to prove their league form can translate into cup success.
