Barcelona will try to avoid the same fate that befell Real Madrid when they visit Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Barca must have enjoyed their viewing as Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game as Madrid coach ended in a humbling 3-2 defeat at Segunda Division strugglers Albacete.

Racing, who top the second tier but are winless in four league games, beat La Liga side Villarreal at home to reach the last 16.

Barca are top of La Liga and beat Madrid 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup in Jaddah on Sunday.