Welcome to this MARCA live blog as Barcelona heads to Estadio Carlos Belmonte to face Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, aiming to avoid the shock that Real Madrid suffered last round, when the Segunda Division side stunned Los Blancos 3-2.
Albacete‘s run has been remarkable, fueled by their tactical discipline and resilience, riding a five-match unbeaten streak across competitions, including three consecutive league wins that have pulled them away from the relegation zone and within striking distance of the play-offs.
Barcelona, meanwhile, remains a powerhouse, sitting atop LaLiga with 55 points from 22 matches, and coming off four wins in their last five games, including a 3-1 victory over Elche thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford.
Hansi Flick knows the threat posed by lower-league teams in the Copa del Rey, and he is expected to rotate his squad strategically, blending experience and youth, while keeping the attacking fluidity and defensive solidity that has defined the team this season.
Despite historical dominance over Albacete, winning all six of their last six encounters, Barcelona cannot afford complacency, as the underdogs have already proven capable of overcoming top-tier opposition, and their hunger for another upset will be palpable on their home turf.
The match offers a fascinating tactical clash: Barcelona‘s possession-based, high-pressing style versus Albacete‘s disciplined defensive lines and counter-attacking speed, promising an engaging encounter that will test both sides’ adaptability and focus over 90 minutes.
Albacete vs Barcelona LIVE – Latest Updates
Albacete vs Barcelona – Possible Lineups
Albacete will miss Edward Cedeno due to surgery and Higinio Marín with a thigh injury ahead of one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
Meanwhile Barcelona is without Raphinha (adductor), Gavi (knee), Pedri (hamstring), and Andreas Christensen (cruciate ligament). Jules Koundé is fit to start.
Albacete: Raul Lizoain; Javi Moreno, Javi Villar, Carlos Neva, Lorenzo Aguado, Dani Bernabeu; Capi, Alejandro Melendez, Antonio Pacheco; Jefte Betancor, Jose Carlos Lazo
Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Marc Casado, Marc Bernal; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford; Robert Lewandowski
When is Albacete vs Barcelona
The Barcelona vs Albacete Copa del Rey quarterfinal will take place on Tuesday, February 3 giving fans a midweek clash to look forward to in the Spanish football calendar.
Kickoff is scheduled for 15:00 ET/12:00 PT, which allows US viewers to catch the action live in the afternoon, while European fans will see the game in the evening local time.
Where to Watch Albacete vs Barcelona
US audiences can stream the match live on ESPN+, providing full coverage of the quarterfinal, including pre-game analysis, commentary, and post-match highlights for subscribers.
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Lineups are announced and players are warming up.