Key Takeaways:
- The Copa del Rey quarter-final draw on Monday afternoon paired Albacete with Barcelona at the Carlos Belmonte
- Albacete have already eliminated Real Madrid, following a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Jefte Betancor last week
- The quarter-final ties are scheduled to be played on the third, fourth and fifth of February in midweek
Quarter-Final Fixtures Confirmed after Dramatic Draw
The Copa del Rey quarter-final draw conducted at Las Rozas earlier today provided plenty of intrigue, with Albacete thrust into the spotlight as the sole remaining Segunda side in the competition. Having already orchestrated a memorable upset against Real Madrid in the previous round courtesy of Jefte Betancor’s stoppage-time goal, Albacete now have the opportunity to claim a remarkable double against footballing giants, as Barcelona are set to visit the Carlos Belmonte.
As the lowest-ranked club left in the tournament, Albacete were assured of a home fixture. Their home ground has seen impressive scenes this year, including a penalty shoot-out victory over Celta Vigo and, most recently, their first ever win against Real Madrid. The upcoming quarter-final now provides Albacete the platform to attempt consecutive eliminations of both Clasico heavyweights.
After eliminating Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey round of 16, Albacete Balompié will have another chance at a history-making giant killing as they drew Barcelona in the quarter-finals 🤯⚔️
It would be quite the story if the second division side beat both Real Madrid and… pic.twitter.com/Ly5WDRAhvF
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) January 19, 2026
Barcelona’s Route to the Last Eight
Barcelona’s progress to this stage has involved victories over Guadalajara and Racing Santander, though their latest triumph required a critical stoppage-time save from Joan Garcia to edge past the current Segunda leaders. The Blaugrana must now navigate a potentially daunting trip to face an Albacete side riding high on confidence.
Draw Yields Tough Assignments for Other Contenders
Atletico Madrid, unable to be drawn against Barcelona, have been assigned a challenging away tie at Real Betis. Los Colchoneros will travel to La Cartuja, with the 2022 champions welcoming them in what many predict could be Atletico’s prime opportunity for silverware this campaign.
Elsewhere, the draw delivered a Basque derby as Real Sociedad journey to Mendizorrotza to take on Alaves. Alaves dispatched Rayo Vallecano in the Round of 16, while Real Sociedad required extra time to prevail over Osasuna in another fiercely contested regional encounter.
The final tie presents a battle of storied clubs attempting to recover lost form, as Athletic Club travel to Mestalla to meet Valencia. Valencia secured a 2-0 win over Burgos in their previous fixture, whereas Athletic Club were forced to go to extra time to finally overcome Cultural Leonesa.
Quarter-Final Fixtures Schedule
These quarter-final matches are slated for the third, fourth and fifth of February, taking place during midweek. The subsequent semi-finals will see their first legs played the following week, with the return legs on the calendar for the opening week of March.
| Fixture | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Albacete vs Barcelona | Carlos Belmonte | 3/4/5 February |
| Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid | La Cartuja | 3/4/5 February |
| Alaves vs Real Sociedad | Mendizorrotza | 3/4/5 February |
| Valencia vs Athletic Club | Mestalla | 3/4/5 February |
