Lamine Yamal scored his first goal in this season's Copa del Rey.
Barcelona beat Albacete 2-1 on Tuesday to book a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The holders were pushed hard by their second-division opponents.
Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo proved decisive.
A late Albacete strike added drama but came too late.
Early Control, Limited Cutting Edge
Barcelona started the quarter-final with control and confidence.
Hansi Flick’s side dominated possession from the opening minutes.
The first chance arrived in the eighth minute.
Marcus Rashford fired wide after a clever pass from Dani Olmo.
Despite their dominance, Barcelona struggled to test the goalkeeper.
Albacete defended deep and stayed organised.
Clear chances were few in the early stages.
The hosts remained disciplined and patient.
Yamal Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough finally arrived before half-time.
Lamine Yamal scored in the 39th minute.
It was his first goal of this Copa del Rey campaign.
The move began with high pressing in the Albacete half.
Rashford and Frenkie de Jong won the ball back quickly.
Yamal showed composure beyond his years.
He curled a precise finish past Raul Lizoain.
It marked his 14th goal of the season.
Barcelona Push After the Break
Barcelona came out strong in the second half.
Just two minutes after the restart, they nearly doubled the lead.
Olmo’s close-range effort was cleared off the line.
Dani Bernabeu made a crucial defensive intervention.
The chance followed an outstanding solo run by Rashford.
The England forward continued to trouble the defence.
His pace and movement stretched Albacete repeatedly.
A second goal felt inevitable.
Araujo Delivers From a Set Piece
Barcelona found their cushion in the 56th minute.
Ronald Araujo headed home from a Rashford corner.
The goal showcased Barcelona’s aerial strength.
It also rewarded Rashford’s lively display.
The assist carried added significance for Rashford.
He reached double figures for goals and assists this season.
Only two other La Liga players have achieved that feat.
Barcelona appeared firmly in control at 2-0.
Albacete Refuse to Surrender
Albacete refused to fade quietly.
The Segunda Division side pushed forward late on.
Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute.
Javi Moreno scored with a powerful header.
Moreno connected with a cross from Jose Carlos Lazo.
The goal reignited belief inside the stadium.
Barcelona suddenly faced late pressure.
The final minutes became tense.
Late Drama, Job Done
Barcelona looked to restore their two-goal advantage.
Ferran Torres thought he had scored in added time.
The goal was ruled out for offside.
Albacete pressed forward in desperation.
However, Barcelona held firm until the final whistle.
The victory ended Albacete’s fairytale Copa del Rey run.
They had stunned Real Madrid in the previous round.
This time, Barcelona proved a step too far.
Semi-Finals Secured
Barcelona beat Albacete to secure another Copa del Rey semi-final spot.
It was their first meeting since 2005.
The result keeps their domestic cup defence alive.
Young stars and experienced leaders once again delivered.
