Barcelona Albacete Copa del Rey clash ends 2-1 as Yamal and Araujo fire Barca into the semi-finals
Football Club Barcelona booked a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Tuesday night with a tense 2-1 victory over Albacete Balompié at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte.
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Barcelona, the record 32-time winners of the competition, were pushed to the limit by their Segunda Division hosts, who had eliminated Real Madrid in the previous round.
Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona the lead in the 39th minute, curling home after Frenkie de Jong’s pass fell kindly into his path following high pressing from Marcus Rashford.
Ronald Araujo doubled the advantage early in the second half, rising highest to head in from a corner on his first start since returning from a month-long mental health break.
The Barcelona Albacete Copa del Rey quarter-final appeared settled at 2-0, but the home side mounted a strong late response that unsettled Hansi Flick’s team.
Albacete created several chances in the final half hour, with Antonio Puertas and Jefte Betancor both going close as Barcelona struggled to assert control.
The hosts pulled a goal back in the 87th minute when Javi Moreno powered a header past goalkeeper Joan Garcia from a well-delivered free-kick.
The goal sparked a nervy finale, with Barcelona forced to defend deep as Albacete searched for an equaliser to force extra time.
Gerard Martin made a crucial goal-line clearance in stoppage time to preserve Barcelona’s slender lead and seal progression.
Speaking after the match, Araujo expressed relief and pride at his return to action, crediting the coaching staff for their support during his recovery.
Head coach Hansi Flick admitted Barcelona should have managed the game better, but praised his players for their resilience under pressure.
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The victory sends Barcelona into the Copa del Rey semi-finals, while Albacete exit the competition with credit after another spirited performance against top-flight opposition.
