Barcelona defeated Albacete 2-1 in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a hard-fought away win on Tuesday to book their place in the semi-finals.
Lamine Yamal Opens the Scoring
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a sweeping left-footed finish. Marcus Rashford helped win possession before Frenkie de Jong supplied the assist.
Barcelona had earlier seen Rashford miss an early chance, while Dani Olmo was denied by a deflection, but the visitors carried a narrow lead into the break.
Araujo Marks Return With A Goal
The holders doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half. Captain Ronald Araujo, making his first start since returning from a mental health break in December, headed home from a corner.
Olmo again went close earlier in the half following another driving run from Rashford.
Albacete Fight Back Late
Albacete, who sit 12th in the Segunda Division and had eliminated Celta Vigo and Real Madrid in earlier rounds, refused to fold.
Javier Moreno pulled a goal back in the 87th minute with a diving header from a free kick. Moments later, Ferran Torres had a late Barcelona goal ruled out for offside.
Late Pressure And Quarter-Final Fixtures
The hosts threw everyone forward in the closing moments, forcing Gerard Martin to make a last-ditch clearance off the line in stoppage time.
Elsewhere in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Alaves host Real Sociedad and Valencia face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, while Atletico Madrid visit Real Betis on Thursday.
Barcelona Eye Another Copa Del Rey Title
Barcelona lifted the trophy last season, beating Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in the final.
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