FC Barcelona advances to the Copa del Rey semifinals after a commanding 2-1 victory over Albacete at Estadio Carlos Belmonte.
Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock, slotting home a precise left-footed strike assisted by Frenkie de Jong after winning the ball high up the pitch.
Ronald Araújo sealed the result with a commanding header, set up by Marcus Rashford.
Despite heavy possession dominance over the Segunda División outfit—who famously eliminated Real Madrid earlier—Barça lacked killer instinct, missing chances to extend the lead further.
The result underscored strong defending in a controlled, professional display.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings:
Joan Garcia (7.5/10)
Kept a clean sheet with calm handling and good distribution from the back.
Faced minimal threats but commanded his area well in a low-pressure night for the keeper.
João Cancelo (7/10)
Provided width and some overlaps, but struggled to deliver dangerous crosses against the packed defense.
Booked early and solid defensively, though part of the sterile wide play issue.
Ronald Araújo (8.5/10)
Scored the insurance header from a set piece and led the defense with authority and aerial dominance.
His presence shut down counters and set pieces, adding leadership in a rotated backline.
Eric Garcia (8/10)
Composed on the ball and made key interceptions to support the high line.
Reliable in build-up and covered well alongside Araújo, showing good rotational form.
Gerard Martin (8/10)
Defended diligently on the left and contributed to possession circulation.
Offered balance defensively without major errors in a steady outing.
Frenkie de Jong (9/10)
Delivered the precise assist for Yamal’s opener with vision after a press win.
Dictated tempo in midfield, covering ground and maintaining control effectively.
Marc Bernal (8/10)
Added energy, tackles, and support to the press while protecting the back four.
A strong rotational display with bite and intelligent positioning throughout.
Dani Olmo (8/10)
Found pockets of space for link-up play but limited by Albacete’s compact block.
Creative touches helped, but couldn’t force consistent breakthroughs in attack.
Lamine Yamal (9.5/10)
Scored the crucial opener with a clinical right-footed finish from De Jong’s assist.
His flair, speed, and composure were key to unlocking the low block when needed most.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10)
Linked play and held up the ball, but lacked a finishing touch against the deep defense.
Subbed later as freshness was managed, underlining the need for more ruthlessness up front.
Marcus Rashford (7.5/10)
Threatened with runs and movement, helping generate the high-pressure moment for the goal.
Showed quality in transitions but no direct goal/assist in a game, craving sharper finishing.
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