Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday with a 2:1 victory over Albacete
- Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo scored for the visitors, while Javi Moreno struck late for Albacete, who had eliminated Real Madrid in the previous round
- Marc Casado ensured Barcelona’s progression by clearing off the line in stoppage time to deny Albacete an equaliser
Match Overview
Barcelona advanced to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey following a tense 2:1 away triumph over Albacete. Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, with Ronald Araújo doubling the advantage in the 56th. Javi Moreno’s late header in the 87th minute brought Albacete back into contention, but the hosts, who had previously shocked Real Madrid, could not force extra time. Crucially, Marc Casado made a last-gasp goal-line clearance in stoppage time to preserve Barcelona’s lead, just moments after substitute Ferran Torres had a goal disallowed for offside.
FULL TIME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VNtQlJtMx7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 3, 2026
Line-Ups and Tactical Approaches
Albacete’s head coach Alberto González fielded a formation featuring strikers Agus Medina and Antonio Puertas, with Higinio Marín missing out due to injury. Raúl Lizoain, the hero of the previous round, started in goal, supported by a defensive trio of Javi Moreno, Javi Villar, and Carlos Neva. Jesús Vallejo featured among the substitutes.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick rotated heavily from the previous match against Elche, making five changes. João Cancelo started at right-back instead of Jules Koundé, joining Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Gerard Martín in defence ahead of goalkeeper Joan García. Frenkie de Jong partnered Marc Bernal in midfield. The attack was led by Robert Lewandowski, flanked by Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Marcus Rashford.
First Half: Yamal Breaks the Deadlock
The visitors began with urgency, seeking to strike early as Marcus Rashford twice tested Raúl Lizoain within the opening 10 minutes, but failed to convert. Albacete maintained a disciplined defensive structure, looking to force errors from Barcelona. João Cancelo was cautioned for a midfield foul, picking up the match’s first yellow card.
Midway through the half, Lamine Yamal appealed for a penalty after a run into the box, only for referee José Luis Munuera Montero to dismiss the claims. An injury to Carlos Neva saw Jesús Vallejo come on for the hosts.
Despite sustained pressure, Barcelona struggled to penetrate Albacete’s defence. The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute when Lamine Yamal received a pass from De Jong and finished confidently into the far corner to give the visitors the advantage. Shortly after, Cancelo risked a second yellow card but stayed on the pitch as the referee allowed play to continue.
Second Half: Barça Survive Late Scare
At the interval, Flick opted to withdraw Cancelo, introducing Pau Cubarsí to avoid potential dismissal. Dani Olmo squandered an early chance after Rashford supplied a low cross, while Albacete responded with an opportunity thwarted by De Jong’s timely intervention.
Barcelona’s lead was doubled in the 56th minute: Rashford’s corner was met by Araújo, who powered a header beyond Lizoain. Lewandowski soon forced another save from the Albacete keeper, failing to kill off the match.
Albacete, spurred by the introduction of Jefte Betancor, began to threaten. Within minutes, Betancor broke free of Araújo and forced a save. Lizoain then denied Dani Olmo at the other end. Ferran Torres, Fermín López, and Marc Casado entered the fray for Barcelona, with Torres missing two promising chances. Albacete also saw a goal disallowed for offside.
The closing stages saw Albacete push numbers forward. In the 87th, Javi Moreno connected with a right-wing cross to halve the deficit, sending the home crowd into raptures at the Carlos Belmonte stadium. Ferran Torres thought he had restored Barcelona’s two-goal cushion in added time, but his effort was ruled offside. In the dying seconds, Fran Gámez nearly forced extra time, but Marc Casado intervened, heading clear off the line to secure Barcelona’s progression.
Conclusion
Barcelona ultimately managed to avoid the fate that befell Real Madrid, surviving a valiant Albacete comeback to book their Copa del Rey semifinal berth. Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo made the difference, while Marc Casado’s defensive heroics at the death ensured Barça’s place in the last four was safe.
