FC Barcelona advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday night with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over second-division side Albacete at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte. Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo proved enough for Hansi Flick's side, though the hosts gave the Catalan giants a significant scare in the closing stages of a dramatic quarterfinal encounter.
The match began with Barcelona dominating possession, controlling 72.8 percent of the ball against their lower-league opponents. Despite their territorial advantage, clear chances proved elusive in the early stages, with Yamal missing two presentable opportunities. The breakthrough finally came before halftime when Marcus Rashford won the ball back in a dangerous area and found Yamal, who finished clinically with his right foot to give Barcelona the lead.
The second half saw Barcelona double their advantage through an unlikely source. Ronald Araujo rose highest to meet a Rashford corner in the 56th minute, powering a header into the net to seemingly put the tie beyond doubt. The Uruguayan defender's goal appeared to have secured safe passage for Barcelona into the final four of the competition they have won a record 32 times.
However, Albacete, who had shocked Real Madrid 3-2 in the previous round under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, refused to surrender. In the 87th minute, Javi Moreno headed home from a Jose Carlos Lazo free-kick to cut the deficit and ignite belief among the home supporters. The tension escalated dramatically in stoppage time when Albacete came agonizingly close to forcing extra time, only for Gerard Martin to produce a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve Barcelona's lead.
Flick fielded a strong lineup featuring Joan Garcia in goal, with Cancelo, Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Gerard Martin forming the defensive line. Frenkie de Jong and Bernal anchored the midfield, while Dani Olmo, Yamal, Rashford, and Robert Lewandowski provided attacking threat. Raphinha was notably absent due to a right adductor overload. Ferran Torres, who came on as a substitute, had a late goal disallowed for offside.
With this victory, Barcelona reach the Copa del Rey semifinals for the 16th time in the past 20 seasons, maintaining their pursuit of a record-extending 33rd title in the competition. They now await the draw to determine their semifinal opponent as they continue their quest for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
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