Albacete vs Barcelona: Yamal dazzles as Barcelona reach Copa del Rey semi-final

Lamine Yamal scored and created many chances as Barcelona resisted a late Albacete hurrah to advance into the semi-final of the Copa del Rey thanks to a 2-1 victory.

In a clash where the second division side had already stunned Celta Vigo and Real Madrid in earlier rounds, they showed fight and quality against the LALIGA champions before Barcelona’s quality ultimately prevailed. 

The opening half was competitive and tense, with Barcelona dominating territory but struggling to break down Albacete’s disciplined block. The hosts cleared danger well and limited clear-cut opportunities in the opening stages. 

It took until the 39th minute for the breakthrough, when Lamine Yamal finished in the far post after a well-worked team move, giving Barcelona a deserved lead heading into the break. 

Barcelona continued to press after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. From a corner kick taken by Marcus Rashford, Ronald Araújo rose highest and powered a header beyond the Albacete keeper, making it 2–0 and seeming to put the tie beyond doubt. 

Despite the two-goal deficit, Albacete refused to go quietly. They grew in confidence as the tie wore on, creating openings of their own, forcing Barcelona to defend deeper. 

Their persistence paid off when Javi Moreno finished past Joan García in the 73rd minute, cutting the lead to 2–1 and setting up a tense finale. Barcelona saw out the nervy closing stages, which included a goal-line clearance.