Barcelona Survive Albacete Scare to Reach Copa del Rey Semifinals

Barcelona advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals after edging Segunda Division side Albacete 2-1, though the holders were pushed all the way by the giantkillers.

Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo looked to have comfortably secured Barcelona’s progress, but a late strike from Javi Moreno forced the Catalan giants to withstand late pressure.

The victory keeps Barcelona on track to extend their record as the most successful club in Copa del Rey history with a potential 33rd title.

Yamal Breaks Deadlock After Barcelona Settle

Albacete, who stunned Real Madrid in the previous round, started confidently and threatened early through Antonio Puertas, who twice tested Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García.

Barcelona gradually took control of possession and began to create chances, with Gerard Martín firing over from a dangerous cross delivered by Yamal.

The breakthrough arrived six minutes before halftime following smart attacking play. Marcus Rashford attracted two defenders before finding Frenkie de Jong, who slipped the ball wide to Yamal. The teenager produced a superb first-time strike across goalkeeper Raul Lizoain and into the far corner.

Barcelona nearly doubled their advantage before the interval when Dani Olmo headed narrowly wide from another Yamal delivery.

Araújo Strengthens Barcelona Advantage

Barcelona extended their lead early in the second half when Ronald Araújo rose highest to glance home Rashford’s corner, putting the visitors firmly in control of the tie.

Albacete goalkeeper Lizoain kept his side in contention with impressive saves to deny Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, while Ferran Torres also missed a promising opportunity by firing over the crossbar.

Late Albacete Goal Creates Nervous Finish

The hosts refused to give up and reduced the deficit three minutes from time when Javi Moreno headed home Jose Carlos Lazo’s cross to spark hopes of another upset.

Barcelona thought they had secured victory moments later when Torres found the net, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside, ensuring a tense closing period.

Despite the late pressure, Barcelona held firm to secure their place in the semifinals and maintain their pursuit of domestic silverware.