On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, FC Barcelona progressed to the **semifinals of the Copa del Rey, with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Albacete Balompié in their quarter-final tie held at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte in Albacete, Spain. The match formed part of the 2025–26 Copa del Rey, with the holders aiming to defend the title they had won in the previous season.
The clash, scheduled for the afternoon kickoff, pitted LaLiga leaders Barcelona against a spirited Segunda Division side that had already captured headlines by toppling Real Madrid in the Last 16. Albacete’s giant-killing reputation made the tie one of the standout fixtures on a packed midweek football calendar.
Key Moments and Performances
Barcelona drew first blood on the day through Lamine Yamal, who expertly finished a flowing move just before the break to give his side the lead. The young winger’s goal at 39 minutes put pressure on the home side early and allowed Barça to dictate territory and tempo for much of the opening 45 minutes.
Shortly after the interval, Ronald Araújo doubled the advantage with a towering header from a well-worked set piece in the 56th minute, showcasing his aerial prowess and marking a significant contribution in his first start since returning from a hiatus.
Albacete refused to wilt, and with just minutes remaining, Javi Moreno pulled a goal back in the 87th minute, setting up a nervy finale with the hosts pressing for an equaliser that would have extended their remarkable cup run. However, Barcelona held firm to secure the narrow win.
Tactical Themes and Match Flow
The tactical battle saw Barcelona assert possession and control in midfield, while Albacete’s game plan focused on disciplined defending and rapid transitions. Despite Barcelona’s status as heavy favourites, the lower-division side created notable moments and put early pressure on Barça’s defence, forcing key saves from goalkeeper Joan García and high concentration levels from the backline.
Barcelona’s experience and depth ultimately prevailed, with strategic substitutions helping manage the latter stages as Albacete chased the game. The match also highlighted Barcelona’s proficiency in set plays — a factor that contributed directly to their second goal.
Significance and Next Steps
The victory ensured that Barcelona continued their campaign in the Copa del Rey, advancing to the semifinals stage with aspirations of a record-extending 33rd title. As defending champions, Barca’s progress keeps alive their pursuit of domestic cup success alongside their league ambitions.
For Albacete, despite the defeat, the quarter-final appearance represented a noteworthy achievement in their season, maintaining the momentum that saw them upset higher-ranked opposition in earlier rounds.
Upcoming ties in the quarter-final round included Deportivo Alavés vs Real Sociedad, Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao, and Atlético Madrid vs Real Betis — all part of a compressed schedule that will define the semifinal matchups later in February.
Overall, 3 February 2026 delivered a compelling chapter in Spanish domestic football, with Barcelona’s narrow comeback illustrating both the competitive depth of the Copa del Rey and the enduring appeal of cup drama in the football calendar.