FC Barcelona's bid to retain the Copa del Rey continues this Tuesday with a quarter final visit to the Estadio Carlos Belmonte (kick-off 9pm CET), home of the only surviving second division team in the competition, Albacete. Although two decades have passed since the home side last played first division football, they are not an opponent to be taken lightly. Just ask Celta and Real Madrid.

Anyhting can happen in the cup, and that's why Hansi Flick enjoys this competition so much. “What I like about the cup is exactly this" he said on Monday. "Very often you get surprising results.”

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Giant killers

Albacete have come on a long journey to get this far. After beating San Fernando in the Canary Islands and then seeing off fellow second division outfit Leganés, they beat first division Celta on penalties.

The reward for doing that was a game with Real Madrid, in Álvaro Arbeloa's first game in charge. In an incredible game, it looked like Gonzalo's injury equaliser had saved Real Madrid's blushes, but then Jefté Betancor scored a sensational goal at the other end to secure a famous win for Albacete. It's their best cup run since 1995, when they lost to Valencia in the semi-finals. 

albacete: two special connections

The nineties were Albacete's heyday, when they played in La Liga for the first time ever and stayed there for five seasons. They did return for two further campaigns from 2003 to 2005, but since then have spent their existence in the second and third tiers of the pyramid.

As things stand, their chances of returning to the top flight after a 20-year absence are slim. They are currently twelfth in the table, but 2026 has started very well for them. As well as their impressive cup run, they are currently on a streak of four games in the second division not only without defeat but also without conceding a goal.

Barça on form

That form is impressive, but Barça's is even better. Super Cup champions, through to the last sixteen of the Champions League without the need for a playoff and still riding high at the top of the league after beating Elche 3-1 on Saturday, the Catalans are playing some of their best football of the season right now.

They beat Guadalajara and Racing Santander to reach the quarter finals, but not without difficulty in both matches, meaning they will be perfectly aware that there is no room for complacency when playing against lower league opposition, especially on the road.

History on Barça's side

That said, Barça are clear favourites in this one. Albacete are looking to reach the semis for just the second time in their history, but it's something Barça have already done 62 times, and they've gone on to win the trophy a record 32 editions. 

And in the 14 league meetings between these teams over the years, Barça have only lost one and are currently on a six-game winning streak. That said, there hasn't been a single meeting between them since 1 May 2005, so past records count for very little. Especially over a single leg, with extra time and penalties if required.   

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Team news

Albacete have one player who already knows what it is like to score against Barça. Antonio Puertas did exactly that when wearing the shirt of. Another connection is midfielder Agus Medina, scorer of Alaba's winner against Real Zaragoza at the weekend, who played alongside Gerard Martín at Cornellà.

They come into the game with an almost full-strength side, with Higinio Marin the only doubt aside from Edward Cedeno, who is out long-term after undergoing surgery.

Barça already knew they were without Gavi, Pedri and Andreas Christensen for this one, but there has been another serious blow with the news that Raphinha has strained the adductor muscle in his right thigh. Fortunately it's not a major problem and he should only need a week or so to recover, but he will certainly miss this game and the one with Mallorca in the league at the weekend.

 

 

 

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