Albacete are having fun with a historic Copa del Rey run and can welcome Barcelona to the Estadio Carlos Belmonte filled with perception after already toppling La Liga opposition on their approach to the quarter-finals. Victories over Celta Vigo and, most impressively, Actual Madrid have propelled the Segunda División aspect into their first Copa del Rey quarter-final for the reason that 94/95 season, Softfootball stories.
Their dramatic first-ever win over Actual Madrid in 15 makes an attempt has been extensively regarded throughout the membership as a turning level, and that confidence has translated into home kind, with Albacete recording three consecutive clean-sheet league victories since that well-known evening.
House benefit might be essential as soon as once more. Albacete have received 4 of their final 5 residence video games throughout all competitions, dropping simply as soon as in that run, and the ambiance at a sold-out Carlos Belmonte is anticipated to be electrical. With promotion ambitions firmly again on observe and nothing to lose in opposition to elite opposition, the hosts will look to stay compact, frustrate Barcelona, and strike when alternatives come up.
Barcelona arrive in Castilla-La Mancha in formidable kind, persevering with to juggle a packed schedule throughout a number of competitions with exceptional consistency. Regardless of a demanding January that has seen them play 9 matches in 4 completely different tournaments, the Blaugrana have received 15 of their final 16 video games in all competitions.
Their Copa del Rey marketing campaign has been managed {and professional}, with consecutive 2-0 away victories in opposition to Guadalajara and Racing Santander secured by way of second-half targets.
Whereas Barcelona’s latest La Liga win over Elche highlighted their potential to develop into video games relatively than dominate from the outset, their total momentum stays sturdy. That stated, the street has confirmed barely tougher for the Catalans, with every of their final 4 aggressive defeats coming away from residence. Even so, their expertise, depth, and knack for decisive second-half performances ought to stand them in good stead as they give the impression of being to keep away from one other Copa del Rey upset.
Staff Information
Albacete are hopeful that defender Pepe Sánchez will likely be out there after lacking their weekend league fixture with a knock, which might be a lift to their defensive stability. No different main damage considerations have been reported for the hosts.
Forward of the sport tomorrow, Barcelona shared by way of its official X deal with an unique video of Lamine Yamal throughout its coaching session as they put together for his or her quarter ultimate conflict Tomorrow. They posted:
Barcelona might think about rotating their squad as soon as once more, with Raphinha a potential doubt after being pressured off at half-time through the win over Elche. Squad administration might be key given the quantity of matches they’ve performed in latest weeks.
Potential Lineups
Albacete potential beginning lineup:
Raul Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gomez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Melendez; Betancor, Medina
Barcelona potential beginning lineup:
Garcia; Balde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Kounde; Lopez, Bernal, Olmo; Rashford, Torres, Yamal
Albacete’s cup run has already surpassed expectations, and their residence kind suggests they’ll make life uncomfortable for Barcelona, significantly within the early phases. Nonetheless, Barça’s expertise, depth, and robust second-half document on this competitors might finally show decisive.
Count on a aggressive encounter, however Barcelona’s potential to regulate video games late on ought to see them edge by way of to the semi-finals.
Prediction: Albacete 0-2 Barcelona
