Barcelona approached the quarter-final as favourites and quickly established authority over possession. Their first opening arrived inside eight minutes, when Marcus Rashford drifted into space but sent his attempt beyond the target following Dani Olmo’s inventive pass.
Despite sustained pressure, clear chances were scarce for Hansi Flick’s team. Albacete stayed organised, forcing the visitors to recycle the ball without testing goalkeeper Raul Lizoain for much of the opening period.
That resistance finally cracked shortly before the interval. High pressing from Rashford and Frenkie de Jong won the ball back deep in the home half, allowing Lamine Yamal to strike decisively with a curling finish for his maiden goal of this season’s tournament.
The goal settled Barcelona before the break and underlined their growing momentum. It also marked Yamal’s 14th strike across competitions during the campaign.
Second-half push and Rashford’s influence
The visitors resumed with renewed intensity after the restart. Within two minutes, Olmo surged through the defence, only for his close-range effort to be cleared from the line by Dani Bernabeu.
Rashford continued to trouble Albacete down the flank, stretching the back line with direct runs. His performance was soon rewarded when Barcelona doubled their advantage.
From a well-delivered corner by the on-loan Manchester United forward, Ronald Araujo rose highest to head home. The assist confirmed Rashford as just the third player in La Liga to reach double figures for goals and assists in all competitions this season.
At that stage, the tie appeared settled, with Barcelona controlling both tempo and territory. Albacete struggled to sustain possession and were largely pinned back.
Late scare and final whistle
The hosts, whose remarkable cup journey included a dramatic previous-round victory over Real Madrid, refused to surrender quietly. With three minutes remaining, defender Javi Moreno met Jose Carlos Lazo’s cross to pull one back and inject tension into the closing moments.
Barcelona responded by pushing forward once more, seeking to restore their two-goal cushion. Ferran Torres thought he had done so in stoppage time, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite that late drama, Flick’s side held firm to secure progress into the final four. The result ended Albacete’s fairytale run and marked Barcelona’s first meeting with the Segunda Division outfit since 2005.