Yamal Scores as Rashford Helps Barcelona into Copa Semis

Published: 04 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals after a composed 2–1 victory over Albacete, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal finding the net and Marcus Rashford providing a crucial assist in a match that underlined the holders’ depth, patience and growing maturity under head coach Hansi Flick.

On a night when the Second Division hosts threatened to extend their remarkable fairytale run, Barcelona ultimately showed their class, controlling large spells of the game and doing just enough to extinguish Albacete’s hopes of another giant-killing. While the scoreline suggested a tight contest, Barca’s dominance in possession and territory told a familiar story of a side comfortable in managing knockout football, even when not at their sparkling best.

The visitors arrived at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte aware of the challenge ahead. Albacete had stunned Spanish football in the previous round with a dramatic last-gasp victory over Real Madrid, a result that electrified their supporters and turned the Copa into a genuine dream. Barcelona, however, were determined not to become the next chapter in that story.

Hansi Flick named a strong starting XI, blending youth and experience. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was handed another start on the left, while Yamal continued his rapid rise on the right flank. Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong anchored midfield creativity, with Ronald Araujo marshalling the defence.

Barcelona made their intentions clear early on. In the eighth minute, Rashford drifted inside to receive a clever pass from Olmo and unleashed a low effort that flashed just wide of Raul Lizoain’s post. It was a warning shot that set the tone for much of the first half, as the La Liga leaders monopolised possession and pinned Albacete deep inside their own half.

Despite their territorial dominance, clear chances were initially hard to come by. Albacete defended bravely, with compact lines and committed tracking that frustrated Barcelona’s intricate passing. The hosts also looked dangerous on the counter, feeding off the energy of the home crowd and the belief generated by their recent exploits.

The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes before half-time, and it came through one of the brightest young talents in world football. High pressing from Rashford and De Jong forced a turnover in the Albacete half, and the loose ball fell invitingly to Yamal. The 18-year-old showed composure beyond his years, taking a single touch before curling a precise finish beyond Lizoain and into the far corner. It was his first goal of this season’s Copa del Rey and his 14th in all competitions, a remarkable tally for a player still in his teens.

The goal visibly shifted the mood inside the stadium. Barcelona played with greater freedom, while Albacete’s earlier confidence gave way to caution. Yet Flick’s side knew the tie was far from settled, particularly against opponents who had already demonstrated their resilience under pressure.

Barcelona started the second half with renewed intensity. Just two minutes after the restart, Rashford embarked on a dazzling solo run from the halfway line, cutting inside and slipping the ball to Olmo inside the area. The midfielder’s shot looked destined for the net before Dani Bernabeu produced a heroic clearance off the line, preserving Albacete’s hopes and drawing roars of approval from the stands.

The moment summed up Albacete’s night: outplayed for long periods, yet never entirely out of the contest. Still, Barcelona sensed an opportunity to put the game beyond reach, and it was Rashford who once again proved decisive.

In the 56th minute, the England international swung in a perfectly weighted corner from the left. Araujo rose highest at the near post, powering a header into the net to double Barcelona’s advantage. The goal not only gave Barca breathing space but also underlined Rashford’s growing influence since his arrival in Spain.

With that assist, Rashford became only the third La Liga player this season to reach double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions. It was a statistic that reflected his all-round contribution, combining pace, creativity and work rate in a system that appears to suit his strengths.

At 2–0, Barcelona seemed in complete control. They slowed the tempo, circulated the ball patiently and forced Albacete to chase shadows. Flick’s side looked comfortable managing the tie, conscious of the demanding domestic and European schedule that lies ahead.

Yet the Copa del Rey has a habit of producing late drama, and Albacete were not done. As the clock ticked into the final minutes, the hosts pushed bodies forward, urged on by a crowd desperate for one more moment of magic. In the 87th minute, that moment arrived when defender Javi Moreno met Jose Carlos Lazo’s cross with a firm header, pulling a goal back and injecting fresh tension into the contest.

For a brief spell, Barcelona wobbled. Albacete threw men forward, searching for an equaliser that would have sent the tie into extra time and reignited memories of their stunning triumph over Real Madrid. The atmosphere crackled, and every clearance was greeted with nervous anticipation.

Barcelona, however, held their nerve. Ferran Torres thought he had restored the two-goal cushion deep into added time, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Moments later, the final whistle sounded, confirming Barcelona’s passage into the semi-finals and bringing Albacete’s inspiring run to an end.

For Flick, the victory was about more than just progression. It showcased Barcelona’s ability to navigate difficult away ties, integrate young talents like Yamal, and extract consistent performances from experienced players such as Rashford and Araujo. While not a vintage display, it was a professional one, built on control, discipline and timely quality.

Yamal’s continued development remains a major talking point. His confidence, decision-making and end product belie his age, and his goal in Albacete was another reminder of why he is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. With each appearance, he looks increasingly central to Barcelona’s present as well as their future.

Rashford’s impact, too, will please both club and supporters. After a turbulent period in England, his loan spell in Spain appears to have revitalised him. His assist for Araujo’s goal was the product of intelligent movement and precise delivery, while his work without the ball set the tone for Barcelona’s pressing game.

For Albacete, elimination brings disappointment but also pride. Their Copa del Rey journey captured imaginations across Spain, and pushing Barcelona until the closing stages only enhanced their reputation. The memories of this run, particularly the unforgettable victory over Real Madrid, will linger long after the season ends.

Barcelona now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where tougher tests undoubtedly await. As holders, expectations will rise, but performances like this suggest they are equipped to handle the pressure. In a competition that often rewards resilience as much as brilliance, Barcelona once again demonstrated why they remain one of Spain’s most formidable cup sides.