Yamal Magic Carries Barcelona Past Brave Albacete

Albacete’s fairytale Copa del Rey run came to an end on Tuesday night as Barcelona survived a dramatic late scare to claim a 2-1 quarter-final victory at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte.

The first half offered little in the way of clear chances, with both sides cancelling each other out in a cagey contest. Albacete were organised and disciplined, while Barcelona struggled to find rhythm despite dominating possession. Just when it seemed the teams would head into the break level, Lamine Yamal produced a moment of pure quality. After Barcelona won the ball high up the pitch, Frenkie de Jong slid a perfectly weighted pass to the teenager, who bent a first-time left-footed finish into the far corner to give the visitors the lead.

That goal changed the tone of the game. Barcelona emerged with more intent after the break and doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Marcus Rashford’s delivery from a corner was met by Ronald Araujo, who rose highest to power a header past the goalkeeper and make it 2-0. At that point, it looked like the tie was slipping away from the hosts.

Albacete, however, refused to fold. They grew in belief as Barcelona failed to add a third goal, and the crowd sensed an opening. The home side thought they had pulled one back when Betancor found the net, only for VAR to rule the move out for offside in the build-up.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute. Jose Carlos Lazo whipped in a superb free-kick, and Javi Moreno attacked it bravely, sending a fine header past Joan Garcia to cut the deficit to 2-1 and set up a nervy finish.

Barcelona believed they had sealed the game in the 90th minute when Ferran Torres scored from close range, but VAR again intervened, ruling the goal out for offside. That decision gave Albacete renewed hope, and in stoppage time they came agonisingly close to forcing extra time. Gamez dinked the ball over the goalkeeper, but Gerard Martin, back-pedalling desperately, managed to head the effort off the line and save Barcelona at the last possible moment.

That proved to be the final twist. Barcelona held on to progress to the semi-finals, finishing the night with an xG of 2.27 compared to Albacete’s 0.67. For the hosts, it was the end of a memorable cup journey that had already delivered famous wins, but this final hurdle proved just too high.

Barcelona march on, their name back in the hat for the semi-final draw on February 6, while Albacete bow out with heads held high after pushing one of Spain’s giants to the limit.