Barcelona match historic winning run: Frank Rijkaard’s record in sight following Racing Santander victory

On 16 January, Barcelona hosted Racing Santander in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Despite the gap in quality on paper, the Blaugrana were made to work hard by the Segunda División side. Ultimately, goals from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal secured a 2-0 win and a place in the quarter-finals.

With the victory, Barcelona progressed to the last eight, where they could face Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis, Alavés, Albacete or Valencia. More importantly, the win marked their 11th in a row across all competitions. Their last defeat came in November, a 0-3 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League.

This 11-match winning streak equals the second-best run in Barcelona’s history, a feat previously achieved four times: under Luis Enrique in the 2014/15 season; Pep Guardiola in 2008/09; Franz Platko in 1955/56; and between 1925 and 1927, when the team was coached by Ralph Kirby, Richard Dombi and Romà Forns.

The club’s longest winning run remains the 18 consecutive victories recorded in the 2005/06 season under Frank Rijkaard. That campaign ended with Barcelona lifting three trophies: the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga and their second UEFA Champions League title.

After reaching 11 straight wins, Barcelona are now firmly targeting Rijkaard’s record. Given their upcoming schedule, many believe Flick’s side have a realistic chance of breaking the two-decade-old mark. Over their next eight matches, Barcelona are set to face Real Sociedad (19 January), Slavia Praha (22 January), Real Oviedo (25 January), Copenhagen (29 January), Elche (1 February), Mallorca (9 February), Girona (16 February) and Levante (23 February).

Barcelona remain in contention for multiple titles this season. They currently lead La Liga by four points over Real Madrid. However, their Champions League campaign remains challenging, as they sit 15th in the league phase with 10 points and will need a significant improvement to secure a top-eight finish.