Lamine Yamal scored, and Marcus Rashford provided an assist as Barcelona overcame Albacete to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The holders controlled the game from start to finish, ending the Second Division side’s remarkable run in the competition.
Yamal gives Barca the lead
Teenager Yamal opened the scoring in the 39th minute, marking his first goal of the season in the tournament. Barcelona dominated possession for much of the first half but struggled to create clear chances until the Spain international’s decisive finish. After Rashford and Frenkie de Jong pressured high in Albacete’s half, Yamal struck with a single touch, curling the ball past goalkeeper Raul Lizoain for his 14th goal of the season.
Araujo doubles the advantage
Just two minutes into the second half, Barcelona nearly scored again when Dani Olmo’s shot from inside the box was cleared off the line by Dani Bernabeu after a brilliant solo run from Rashford. The England forward, on loan from Manchester United, quickly turned his performance into an assist. Ronald Araujo rose to head in Rashford’s corner, becoming part of an elite group of La Liga players reaching double figures for goals and assists this season.
Albacete fight back late
Albacete sparked late drama when defender Javi Moreno connected with Jose Carlos Lazo’s cross in the 87th minute, reducing the deficit. Barcelona held their composure, and Ferran Torres saw a goal disallowed for offside in stoppage time. The victory confirmed Barcelona’s place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, bringing an end to Albacete’s inspiring journey, which included a last-minute win against Real Madrid in the previous round.
Barca dominate first meeting since 2005
This match marked the first meeting between the sides since 2005. Hansi Flick’s team created the first clear chance in the eighth minute when Rashford fired wide following a clever pass from Dani Olmo. La Liga leaders controlled possession throughout, gradually wearing down their opponents until Yamal and Araujo sealed the result.
