FC Barcelona booked their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after ending Albacete’s fairytale run with a composed away victory over the Segunda División side.
Under head coach Hansi Flick, the holders delivered a performance based on control, patience, and decisive moments, as Lamine Yamal found the net and Marcus Rashford provided a key assist.
Barcelona dominated possession from the outset and created the first real opening inside eight minutes when Rashford fired wide after being set up by Dani Olmo.
Despite their territorial superiority, chances were initially limited until the breakthrough arrived just before the interval.
In the 39th minute, Yamal opened the scoring with his first Copa del Rey goal of the season. After Barcelona won the ball high through Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, the 18-year-old curled a precise finish beyond goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain. The strike marked Yamal’s 14th goal across all competitions this campaign.
Barca maintained their intensity after the break and almost doubled their lead early in the second half.
Olmo saw a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Dani Bernabeu following an impressive solo run from Rashford.
The second goal arrived 11 minutes into the half when Ronald Araújo rose highest to head home from a Rashford corner.
The contribution capped another influential display from the forward, who has now reached double figures for goals and assists across all competitions this season.
Albacete, playing their first competitive match against Barcelona since 2005, refused to surrender quietly.
Defender Javi Moreno pulled one back in the 87th minute with a header from José Carlos Lazo’s cross, briefly igniting hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Barcelona calmly saw out the closing stages, despite Ferran Torres having a late goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time.
The result brings an end to Albacete’s memorable cup journey, which included a shock victory over Real Madrid in the previous round. Barcelona, meanwhile, move one step closer to retaining the Copa del Rey as they await their semi-final opponents.
