The "magic of the cup" is in full effect tonight, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as Albacete Balompié hosts the defending champions FC Barcelona at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte. Albacete is the only second-division side left in the competition, having earned their spot by stunning Real Madrid 3-2 in the previous round.
While Barcelona arrives as the heavy favorites, Albacete’s giant-killing reputation makes this one of the most anticipated quarter-finals in years.
Match Details
Fixture: Albacete vs FC Barcelona
Competition: Copa del Rey (Quarter-Finals)
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 20:00 GMT / 21:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete
Referee: José Luis Munuera Monter
Pre-Match Analysis
Albacete: The Miracle of La Mancha
Under manager Alberto González, Albacete is enjoying its best cup run since 1995. They are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in all competitions and have not conceded a goal in their last four league games. Their victory over Real Madrid showcased their lethal transitional play, led by Jefté Betancor, who scored twice in that historic upset.
Barcelona: Defending the Crown
Hansi Flick’s side is currently top of La Liga and fresh off a 3-1 win over Elche. Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey a record 32 times and is highly motivated to retain the title. Despite the gulf in divisions, Flick is expected to field a strong side to avoid the complacency that plagued Madrid in the previous round. The attack has been firing on all cylinders, averaging three goals per game over their last five matches.
Team News & Injury Reports
Albacete Team News
Doubts: Leading striker Higinio Marín is a major doubt with a thigh injury.
Absences: Edward Cedeño remains out long-term following surgery. Pepe Sánchez is also ruled out.
Player to Watch: Jefté Betancor. The hero of the Madrid win, he also scored in the 2-0 victory against Real Zaragoza at the weekend and is the primary threat to the Barça backline.
Barcelona Team News
Late Blow: Raphinha is out for approximately one week after straining his adductor muscle against Elche.
Injury List: Gavi, Pedri, and Andreas Christensen remain unavailable.
Returning/Fit: Jules Koundé has been passed fit despite a minor injury scare. Marcus Rashford is expected to start on the left to cover for Raphinha.
Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old has scored in his last two matches and remains the focal point of Flick’s creative engine.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Albacete (4-4-2):
Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gómez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Melendez; Betancor, Medina.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Joan García; Cancelo, Cubarsí, Araujo, Balde; Marc Bernal, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford; Lewandowski.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Historic Dominance: Barcelona has won the last six competitive meetings between these teams.
The Last Meeting: Their last official match was in May 2005 (a 2-0 Barça win), famously the day Lionel Messi scored his first goal for the club.
Possession Battle: Barcelona averages 69% possession away from home, while Albacete managed just 22% in their win against Madrid.
Clean Sheets: Albacete has kept 4 consecutive clean sheets in the Segunda División.
Prediction: Albacete 1-3 Barcelona
Albacete will likely set up in a disciplined low block and look for the clinical Betancor on the counter. However, Barcelona’s depth and the form of Lamine Yamal should eventually break them down. While Albacete might grab a goal to delight the home fans, the reigning champions are expected to progress comfortably.
Top Betting Tips:
Full-Time Result: Barcelona Win. The talent gap is likely too large for a second consecutive upset.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Albacete has already proven they can hurt the elite.
Anytime Goalscorer: Marcus Rashford. With Raphinha out, Rashford will have more license to cut inside and find the net.
