Albacete Host Barcelona As Copa Del Rey Drama Unfolds

The stage is set for a Copa del Rey quarter-final showdown brimming with intrigue as Barcelona travels to face Albacete at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. While Barcelona’s pedigree and recent form make them clear favorites, few would dare underestimate Albacete after their audacious 3-2 triumph over Real Madrid in the previous round—a result that sent shockwaves through Spanish football.

Albacete’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once teetering near the relegation zone in La Liga 2, the Manchego side has found a new lease on life since their dramatic Cup heroics. That unforgettable night against Real Madrid, capped by Jefté Betancor’s 94th-minute winner, not only secured Albacete’s place in Copa del Rey folklore but also sparked a run of four consecutive victories across all competitions. Now sitting comfortably in 12th place in the second division, coach Alberto González’s men have proven they are no mere giant-killers—they are a team in form, riding a wave of confidence and local pride.

For Barcelona, the quarter-final presents both an opportunity and a challenge. After a rocky patch that included a loss to Real Sociedad, Hansi Flick’s squad has rebounded with four straight wins, including a peculiar but vital victory over Elche in La Liga. The Catalans have scored more goals than any other team in the Spanish top flight this season, and their dominance in possession is second to none. Yet, recent away performances have exposed a worrying trend: profligacy in front of goal. Against Elche, Barcelona generated an expected goals (xG) tally of over six but managed to convert only three chances—a statistic that Flick will be keen to address if his side is to avoid another tense evening.

Team news brings its own set of headaches for Flick. Barcelona will be without several key players: Gavi, Pedri, Andreas Christensen, and Raphinha are all sidelined, with the latter suffering an adductor strain during the weekend’s win. Lamine Yamal, another attacking threat, is expected to be rested. This opens the door for squad rotation and fringe players to stake their claim. The likes of Joao Cancelo, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal are tipped for starts, while Marcus Rashford—who has impressed off the bench lately with four goal involvements in his last five substitute appearances—could be handed a rare start. Roony Bardghji is another attacker who may feature from the off, offering Flick a blend of youth and experience to unlock Albacete’s defense.

"It’s a real opportunity for some fringe players to prove themselves to Flick, and they’ll be chomping at the bit to show the manager they deserve more minutes," noted FotMob’s preview, reflecting the hunger within Barça’s ranks. Rashford, in particular, has caught the eye. After starting on the bench in recent games, the English forward has scored twice in his last two substitute appearances. Flick previously handed Rashford a start in an earlier Copa del Rey tie, and all signs point to him being a player to watch under the Carlos Belmonte lights.

Albacete, meanwhile, will look to replicate their Real Madrid blueprint. Against Los Blancos, González’s side ceded possession—just 22%—and focused on absorbing pressure before launching rapid counterattacks. This defensive discipline is no fluke; Albacete ranks 21st for possession in La Liga 2, making them well-drilled in frustrating more illustrious opponents. The home crowd will be in full voice, hoping their heroes can channel the spirit of past underdog semi-finalists like Mirandés and Alavés, who have shown that dreams can become reality in the Copa del Rey.

Team selection for Albacete brings its own uncertainties. Higinio Marín is a doubt, while Edward Cedeno is ruled out following surgery. The likely starting XI will feature a back five, with Lizoain in goal and Aguado, Moreno, Villar, Neva, and Bernabéu forming a resolute defensive line. In midfield, Capi, Meléndez, and Pacheco will seek to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm, while Betancor and Lazo offer pace and opportunism up front.

Barcelona’s predicted lineup features Joan in goal, with Eric, Araujo, Martin, and Cancelo across the back. De Jong and Bernal are expected to anchor the midfield, while Yamal, Fermín, and Rashford support Lewandowski in attack. Flick’s tactical approach is expected to blend control with aggression, but the risk of an upset looms large if his players fail to capitalize on their chances.

There’s more than just a semi-final berth at stake. For Albacete, victory would mean a place in history—joining the ranks of modest clubs who have defied the odds to reach the latter stages of Spain’s most storied cup competition. As EFE reported, "Their dramatic 3-2 victory over 'Los Blancos', sealed by Jefté’s now-famous goal in the match’s dying moments, now forms part of the Copa del Rey history for the Manchego club." The city of Albacete is bracing for a festive atmosphere, with fans dreaming of another famous night at the Carlos Belmonte.

On the other side, Barcelona are all too aware of the dangers. The memory of Real Madrid’s shock exit is fresh, and Flick will not allow his team to take anything for granted. "Barcelona, having witnessed the previous round, will undoubtedly heed the warning, 'when you see your neighbour’s beard on fire, put water on your own'," as one Spanish outlet aptly put it. The message is clear: complacency is not an option.

With kick-off set for 9pm CET and millions watching around the world via Premier Sports, ESPN+, and local broadcasters, all eyes will be on whether Albacete can conjure another miracle or if Barcelona’s class will ultimately prevail. The match promises drama, passion, and perhaps a few surprises—just the way the Copa del Rey likes it.

As the teams prepare to walk out onto the pitch, the sense of occasion is palpable. Albacete stands on the brink of history, while Barcelona seeks to avoid becoming the latest victim of this season’s most compelling underdog story. The whistle’s about to blow, and anything can happen under the cup’s famous lights.