Barcelona booked their place within the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Albacete on the Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Tuesday night time, surviving a tense late spell to keep away from a giant-killing upset.
The Blaugrana arrived cautious of hazard after Albacete’s dramatic comeback win over Actual Madrid within the earlier spherical, a outcome that had already set the tone for this quarter-final showdown, as reported by SoftFootball.
Hansi Flick’s facet managed the early phases, dominating possession and pushing Albacete deep, very similar to they did in current league type that has saved them successful constantly this season. Albacete, who had been constructed up as harmful hosts forward of kick-off, defended in numbers and waited for moments to interrupt.
Barcelona’s stress lastly instructed within the thirty ninth minute. Marcus Rashford intercepted a unfastened move in midfield and launched Lamine Yamal, who saved his composure to complete low previous Raúl Lizoain for his 14th purpose of the season. The hosts had earlier misplaced Carlos Neva to harm, and the disruption confirmed as Barcelona went into the break deservedly forward.
The guests doubled their lead shortly after halftime when Ronald Araújo rose highest to energy dwelling a Rashford nook within the 57th minute. It seemed comfy at that time, whilst Dani Olmo went shut and Yamal continued to bother the Albacete again line.
Albacete refused to fade, and the ambiance lifted late on. Substitute Jefté Betancor brought about issues earlier than Javi Moreno pulled one again within the 86th minute with an excellent diving header from José Lazo’s free kick. Moments later, Ferran Torres thought he had sealed the tie, just for VAR to rule the purpose out for offside.
The ultimate minutes have been frantic as Albacete threw all the things ahead, even forcing a goal-line clearance, however Barcelona held agency by disciplined defending and sport administration.
The victory, shared by the membership’s official X account, makes it 16 wins in Barcelona’s final 17 matches in all competitions and retains Flick’s facet firmly on track for an additional piece of silverware, whereas Albacete exit with delight after a memorable cup run.
