Barcelona secured a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a hard fought 2-1 away win over Albacete on Tuesday.
Barcelona became the first team to reach the last four. They ended Albacete’s strong cup run but had to survive late pressure from the hosts.
Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona the lead in the 39th minute with a calm finish inside the box. The visitors controlled most of the game after that opening goal.
Barcelona doubled the lead in the second half. Captain Ronald Araujo scored from a corner to put his side in a strong position. It was his first start since returning from a mental health break in December.
Albacete refused to give up. Javier Moreno pulled one goal back in the 87th minute with a diving header from a free kick. The home side then pushed hard for an equaliser.
In stoppage time, Albacete came close again. One effort was cleared off the line as Barcelona defended deep to protect their lead.
Albacete had reached the quarter-finals after knocking out Celta Vigo and Real Madrid. They sit 12th in the Spanish second division but showed fight once more.
Barcelona had taken control earlier through a neat move. Marcus Rashford won the ball and passed to Frenkie de Jong, who set up Yamal for the opener. Rashford and Dani Olmo both had chances before the goal.
Albacete missed a few chances of their own before the break. Antonio Puertas failed to convert two quick opportunities.
In the second half, Barcelona stayed on top. Olmo had a shot blocked early on. Araujo then made it 2-0 with a firm header.
Albacete substitute Jefte Betancor missed two chances to score. He shot wide and later failed to hit the target with a free header.
The hosts thought they were in trouble again late on when Ferran Torres scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Albacete kept attacking until the final whistle.
Barcelona are the defending champions. They won the cup last season after beating Real Madrid in the final in Seville.
Elsewhere in the Copa del Rey, Deportivo Alaves face Real Sociedad and Valencia host Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid visit Real Betis on Thursday.
