David vs. Goliath: Can Albacete Shock Barcelona in Copa del Rey Clash? Preview, Predictions & Lineups
Barcelona aim to sidestep Real Madrid's destiny as they travel to face second-division outfit Albacete in Tuesday evening's Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash.
Albacete, absent from La Liga for more than two decades, celebrated one of their most memorable evenings in the last round, stunning the 15-time European titleholders 3–2 to secure another marquee matchup.
Barça stand as the Copa del Rey's most decorated club, claiming the silverware an impressive 32 times. Hansi Flick's squad also holds the current title after defeating Madrid 3–2 in the previous campaign's showpiece, though no team has successfully defended this honor since the Catalans themselves captured four consecutive trophies from 2015 to 2018.
Energized by their victory over Los Blancos, Albacete have secured three consecutive wins in the second division yet remain positioned in the middle of the table. Relegation concerns have been eased at minimum, and success on Tuesday evening would equal their finest Copa del Rey showing. They last reached the semifinals during the 1994–95 season.
En route to this stage, Albacete also eliminated Celta Vigo in the round of 32, while Barça overcame La Liga 2 pacesetters Racing Santander 2–0 in the round of 16.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Copa del Rey encounter.
What Time Does Albacete vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
What Time Does Albacete vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
Albacete vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Albacete vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Albacete (WWWWL) | Barcelona (WWWWL) |
|---|---|
Albacete 2–0 Real Zaragoza | Elche 1–3 Barcelona |
Real Valladolid 0–1 Albacete | Barcelona 4–1 Copenhagen |
Albacete 1–0 Cádiz | Barcelona 3–0 Real Oviedo |
Albacete 3–2 Real Madrid | Slavia Prague 2–4 Barcelona |
Real Sociedad B 0–0 Albacete | Real Sociedad 2–1 Barcelona |
How to Watch Albacete vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Albacete vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi |
Albacete Team News
Albacete Team News
Jefté Betancor emerged as Albacete's match-winner against Real Madrid, netting a brace in his team's remarkable triumph. The forward entered as a substitute in the prior round, but will certainly feature in Alberto González's starting eleven for Barcelona's arrival.
Betancor also found the net in the 2–0 victory over Real Zaragoza during the weekend.
The surprise quarterfinalists are relatively fit going into Tuesday's fixture, though González has confirmed that Pepe Sánchez, who also came on as a substitute against Madrid, is unavailable for selection. Albacete will also miss Higinio Marin due to a thigh problem.
Albacete Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Albacete Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Albacete predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gómez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Mélendez; Betancor, Medina.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona faced a challenging examination in the round of 16, compelling Flick to field a robust starting eleven. Whether he adopts the same approach here is uncertain, but the German coach is anticipated to make changes from Saturday's victory at Elche
Lamine Yamal has begun the new year in spectacular fashion, and he should receive some rest on Tuesday evening. Instead, Roony Bardghji could get the nod, while Marcus Rashford will feature on the left flank to compensate for Raphinha's absence.
The Brazilian has joined Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen in the treatment room, though he isn't anticipated to remain sidelined for an extended period with an adductor injury.
João Cancelo, Gerard Martín and Marc Bernal are also candidates to feature in Flick's midweek starting formation.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Albacete
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Albacete
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Albacete (4-2-3-1): García; Cancelo, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Bernal, De Jong; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski.
Albacete vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Albacete vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
It's been a storybook journey for Albacete, who have eliminated two top-flight sides, including the globe's most prominent, to reach this point. They'll certainly savor this moment, with Barcelona bearing all the pressure to avoid disappointment.
A memorable evening awaits at the Carlos Belmonte, and Flick's expected squad rotation does provide the confident hosts an opportunity to achieve another upset. Nevertheless, Barça approach Tuesday's meeting in positive spirits. While some defensive vulnerabilities have emerged recently, they appear self-assured once again, and the visitors should manage to overcome any challenges their determined opponents present.
Barça will avoid Madrid's misfortune, instead advancing to the semifinals with relative ease.
Prediction: Albacete 1–3 Barcelona