Ronald Araujo’s goal turned out to be decisive as Barcelona secured qualification for the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Albacete.
Albacete, who had stunned Real Madrid with a dramatic late winner in the previous round, came close to another upset but ultimately fell short against the defending champions.
Barcelona gradually took control of the game in the first half and broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Frenkie de Jong found Lamine Yamal, who guided a volley into the left corner of the goal.
The visitors began the second half on the front foot, with Marcus Rashford delivering a low ball into the area after a powerful run down the left, though Dani Olmo’s first-time effort was cleared off the line by Daniel Bernabeu.
Barcelona doubled their advantage in the 56th minute as Araujo rose ahead of his marker to flick Rashford’s corner beyond Raul Lizoain, who was unable to react amid traffic in the six-yard box.
Jefte Betancor, Albacete’s match-winner against Real Madrid, squandered two clear chances to reduce the deficit before eventually finding the net from Antonio Puertas’ low cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The hosts were given renewed hope in the 87th minute when Javi Moreno connected with Jose Carlos Lazo’s curling free-kick, powering in a superb diving header.
Ferran Torres then had a goal disallowed at the other end soon after, setting up a tense finish. Albacete pushed hard for an equaliser and nearly forced extra time, but Fran Gamez’s effort was cleared off the line by Gerard Martin.
Data Debrief: Barca escape major upset
Barcelona have now reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the 63rd time, more than any other club in the competition’s history.
Although they appeared to be in control for much of the match, the final stages proved nervy. Barcelona registered 17 shots, generating 2.27 expected goals (xG), while Albacete managed seven attempts worth 0.67 xG.
Lamine Yamal has now been directly involved in 33 goals across his last 37 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 18 times and providing 15 assists.
While Albacete failed to reach a second semi-final in the tournament, they pushed the reigning champions until the end and handed Barcelona their first away goal conceded in the Copa del Rey in six matches.
