KATHMANDU: Defending champions Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Racing Santander on Thursday night.

Despite dominating possession, La Liga leaders Barcelona found it difficult to break down the disciplined second-division side, who currently top Spain’s Segunda División and are aiming for a return to the top flight next season.

The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Ferran Torres opened the scoring, finishing neatly from a pass by substitute Fermín López.

Barcelona continued to push for a second goal but faced strong resistance from Santander’s defense.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sealed the win in injury time, adding the second goal to confirm Barcelona’s progression into the last eight.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid suffered a shock exit from the competition after losing to fellow second-division side Albacete on Wednesday night.

Barcelona, who lifted the trophy last season after defeating Real Madrid in the final, will learn their quarterfinal opponents on Monday.

Meanwhile, Valencia also advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Burgos CF on Thursday.