Barcelona secured their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over second-division side Albacete at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte. The reigning champions demonstrated their quality through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and defender Ronald Araujo, while loanee Marcus Rashford continued his impressive form with a decisive assist that proved crucial in ending the hosts' remarkable cup run.
The Catalan giants entered the match as overwhelming favorites, but Albacete's pedigree as giant-killers added an element of intrigue to the quarter-final clash. The Segunda División outfit had captured the nation's imagination with their dramatic last-gasp victory against Real Madrid in the previous round, setting the stage for another potential upset against Spain's most successful cup team. That triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu had been orchestrated through tactical discipline, relentless work rate, and a never-say-die attitude that manager Alberto González hoped would carry his team to even greater heights.
Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with a moment of individual brilliance that has become his trademark. The 18-year-old forward, who has been Barcelona's standout performer this season, collected a loose ball after high pressing from Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, took a single touch to set himself, and curled an exquisite finish past goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain. The goal represented Yamal's first in this season's Copa del Rey competition and his 14th strike across all competitions, further cementing his status as one of European football's most prodigious talents. The teenager's composure in front of goal belied his years, as he calmly assessed his options before placing the ball perfectly into the far corner, leaving Lizoain with no chance despite the goalkeeper's full stretch.
The opening goal was the culmination of sustained Barcelona pressure that began early in the encounter. In just the eighth minute, Marcus Rashford spurned a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he fired wide after being played through by Dani Olmo's clever pass. The England international, currently on loan from Manchester United, looked sharp from the outset and was central to Barcelona's attacking thrust throughout the evening. His movement off the ball created constant problems for the Albacete backline, while his physical presence and pace offered a different dimension to Barcelona's usually intricate passing game.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Barcelona found clear-cut chances at a premium against an organized Albacete defense. The hosts, buoyed by their vociferous home support, defended with discipline and looked to frustrate the La Liga leaders. Manager Alberto González had clearly drilled his team to maintain a compact shape, forcing Barcelona to play in front of them rather than penetrate through the lines. However, the quality gap eventually told as Yamal's moment of magic provided the breakthrough just before halftime, giving the visitors a deserved lead they would take into the dressing room.
The second half began with Barcelona continuing their assault on the Albacete goal. Two minutes after the restart, Rashford embarked on a magnificent solo run that left several defenders in his wake before laying the ball off to Olmo. The Spanish midfielder's effort from inside the area seemed destined for the net, only for Dani Bernabéu to produce a heroic goal-line clearance, preserving his team's slim hopes of a comeback. The sequence showcased Rashford's dribbling ability and power, as he shrugged off challenges and drove forward with purpose, embodying the directness that has made him such a valuable asset to Hansi Flick's side.
Those hopes were dashed in the 56th minute when Ronald Araujo rose highest to meet Rashford's perfectly delivered corner kick, powering a header past Lizoain to double Barcelona's advantage. The Uruguayan defender's aerial prowess has long been one of his greatest assets, and he timed his run to perfection, generating enough power on his header to beat the goalkeeper despite Lizoain getting a hand to the ball. The goal was more than just a crucial second for the visitors; it represented a significant milestone for Rashford personally. With that assist, the forward became only the third player in La Liga this season to achieve double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions, joining an elite club that underscores his impact since arriving in Spain.
The assist was just reward for Rashford's all-action performance. His work rate in pressing high up the pitch had created Yamal's opener, his dribbling prowess had nearly fashioned another goal for Olmo, and his set-piece delivery had provided the decisive second goal. The 27-year-old has seamlessly integrated into Hansi Flick's system, offering a blend of pace, power, and technical quality that has made him indispensable to Barcelona's treble chase. His transformation from a player struggling for form and confidence at Manchester United to one of La Liga's most productive performers has been remarkable, testament to both his personal resilience and Flick's man-management skills.
Albacete, to their credit, refused to surrender meekly. The hosts continued to battle and were rewarded with a late consolation in the 87th minute when defender Javi Moreno connected powerfully with José Carlos Lazo's cross to beat Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home faithful, a testament to the pride and passion that had characterized their cup journey. Moreno's finish was technically excellent, as he met the ball with a first-time volley that flew into the top corner, giving Peña no chance despite the goalkeeper's best efforts.
The goal also injected a brief moment of tension into the Barcelona camp, as memories of their own collapse against Leganés in the previous round briefly flickered. However, this Barcelona side has developed a resilience under Flick that has served them well throughout the season. They have learned to manage games effectively, controlling possession and tempo to see out victories even when opponents mount late pressure. This maturity was evident in how they responded to the concession, immediately refocusing and seeing out the remaining minutes without further alarm.
In the dying moments of added time, substitute Ferran Torres thought he had restored Barcelona's two-goal cushion when he finished past Lizoain, but the flag was correctly raised for offside, and the score remained 2-1. The decision was marginal but correct, as Torres had strayed just beyond the last defender before latching onto the through ball. While the goal would have provided a more comfortable final margin, its disallowment did not affect the overall outcome.
The victory extends Barcelona's remarkable run in the Copa del Rey, a competition they have won a record 31 times. For Albacete, the defeat marks the end of a fairytale journey that will be remembered for generations in the small Castilla-La Mancha city. Their victory over Real Madrid will forever be etched in club folklore, and their performance against Barcelona demonstrated they belonged on this stage, competing with pride and organization against one of Europe's elite clubs.
Hansi Flick will be pleased with his team's professional performance, particularly the way they controlled the tempo and limited Albacete's opportunities. The German coach has instilled a winning mentality in his squad that combines youthful exuberance with experienced heads, a blend that has made them formidable opponents in every competition they enter. His tactical flexibility was on display as he adjusted his team's approach to break down a stubborn defense, using Rashford's physicality and directness to complement the technical skills of players like Yamal and Olmo.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will await the semi-final draw with confidence. Their path to a potential 32nd Copa del Rey title remains on track, and with players like Yamal, Rashford, and Araujo in fine form, they will fancy their chances against any remaining opponent. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum across all fronts as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts, including La Liga and the Champions League.
For Rashford, the performance represented another step in his footballing rebirth. Cast aside at Manchester United, he has found a new lease on life in Catalonia, playing with the freedom and joy that made him one of England's most exciting prospects. His double-double achievement places him alongside only Vinícius Júnior and Robert Lewandowski in La Liga this season, elite company that highlights his transformation under Flick's guidance.
The match also provided another platform for Yamal to showcase his generational talent. At just 18, he carries the weight of Barcelona's future on his shoulders with a maturity beyond his years. His goal was another reminder that Barcelona's famed La Masia academy continues to produce world-class talent capable of deciding matches at the highest level.
As the final whistle blew, Barcelona celebrated a job well done. The victory was not spectacular, but it was efficient, professional, and ultimately deserved. They had dispatched a tricky opponent, avoided the banana skin that had tripped up Real Madrid, and kept their treble dreams alive. In a season defined by excellence, this was another chapter in what could become a historic campaign.