For those craving Cup magic, the Copa del Rey quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Albacete offered just the right mix of tension and spectacle. The setting was electric: Barcelona, Copa del Rey holders and serial semi-finalists, facing Albacete—the second-tier side that had stunned Spanish giants Real Madrid in the previous round. Could Albacete pull off another surprise, or would Barcelona’s pedigree shine through? The answer came only after a thrilling contest, with Ronald Araujo’s pivotal header sealing a 2-1 win, but not without high drama until the final whistle.
Early pressure, early reward: Barcelona flex their muscles
After a cagey opening, Barcelona’s quality soon began to tell. By the 39th minute, their pressure paid dividends when Frenkie de Jong, ever the midfield maestro, picked out teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Spanish prodigy shaped a brilliant volley into the left side of the net. I
As the teams went into halftime, stats painted a clear picture: Barcelona had been ruthless in attack, registering the majority of the game’s chances and boasting 63 Copa del Rey semi-final qualifications—a record unmatched in Spanish football.
Second-half drama: missed chances and crucial interventions
The game reignited after the break, and momentum briefly swung towards the visitors. Marcus Rashford, adopting a more creative role on the left, made a driving run and set up Dani Olmo. But just as Olmo wound up for a finish that seemed destined to level the match, Daniel Bernabeu’s goal-line clearance preserved Barcelona’s slender lead.
The drama only intensified. In the 56th minute, Araujo capitalized on a crowded six-yard box, glancing in Rashford’s corner to put Barcelona two goals up. Yet the insurance was far from absolute. (Araujo’s header soon proved the game’s turning point—a blend of timing, power, and desire in a congested penalty area.)
Albacete’s brave response: hope flickers until the end
Albacete, fueled by their victory over Madrid, refused to capitulate. Jefte Betancor, the man whose heroics had downed Real, squanders two gilt-edged chances before finally finding the net—only to be denied by an offside flag against a teammate.
The hosts refused to let their heads drop. In the 87th minute, Javi Moreno met Jose Carlos Lazo’s bending free-kick with a sensational diving header, breathing new life into Albacete and their fans. Barely moments later, Ferran Torres saw a Barcelona goal chalked off, and the hosts came agonizingly close to drawing level when Fran Gamez’s late strike was headed off the line by Gerard Martin.
Records, rising stars, and the road ahead
For Barcelona, this semi-final qualification was historic: their 63rd, more than any club in Copa del Rey history. The holders dominated with 17 shots and 2.27 expected goals (xG), compared to Albacete’s 0.67 xG from seven attempts—a testament to their control but also to how close the contest was in key moments.
Special mention belongs to Lamine Yamal. At only 18, he’s now chalked up 18 goals and 15 assists in his last 37 appearances for the club. Few players so young have had such an impact; his presence is fast becoming a fixture of Barcelona’s attacking identity.