FC Barcelona takes the field this Tuesday, February 3, 2026, against Albacete, at Estádio Carlos Belmonte, at Albacete, at The match, valid for the quarter-finals of Copa of Rei in a single game, starts at 9pm local time (5pm Brasília time).
The Catalan team is looking to advance to the semi-finals of the competition, but faces the only representative from Segunda Divisão still alive in the tournament. Albacete arrives motivated after eliminating giants like Celta from Vigo and Real Madrid.
The broadcast on Brasil is live on ESPN 4 and the Disney+ streaming service. The clash marks the start of the quarter-final stage of the 2025/26 season.
Albacete goes on an undefeated streak after eliminating Real Madrid
Albacete eliminated Real Madrid in the round of 16 with a 3-2 victory, decided by a goal in the 94th minute. Desde then, the team led by Alberto González remains unbeaten in all competitions.
The team won three consecutive Segunda Divisão matches without conceding a goal. The triumphs were over Cádiz, Valladolid and Zaragoza, all by minimal scores or with a comfortable advantage in the last duel.
Recent form favors the home team’s solid defense
Albacete’s defense has not conceded goals in the last three games in the Spanish league. Essa defensive solidity became the team’s main weapon this season.
The attack also showed efficiency, with goals distributed between different players. The positive sequence placed Albacete in the middle part of the Segunda Divisão table.
Barcelona arrives with important absences in the squad
Barcelona advanced to the quarterfinals after a quiet victory in the previous phase. However, coach Hansi Flick is dealing with significant absences in the main squad.
Players like Andreas Christensen, Pablo Gavi and Pedri are confirmed to be absent due to injury. Raphinha was spared due to muscular overload, while Jules Koundé remains a doubt.
Catalans have outstanding young talents
Lamine Yamal remains one of the main offensive references of Barcelona. The young striker has been actively involved in the team’s goals this season.
Other names like Fermín López and Dani Olmo should gain space in the lineup. The integration of grassroots athletes has been a constant part of the club’s strategy.
Probable lineup and team tactical options
Albacete should enter the field with a 5-3-2 formation, prioritizing defensive compactness. Jefté Betancor leads the attack alongside speed options on the sides.
Barcelona will probably adopt 4-2-3-1, with Marc-André having Stegen in goal and a defensive line formed by Cancelo, Araújo, Cubarsí and Balde. In the middle, Frenkie from Jong and young people like Bernal gain minutes.
- Probable Albacete:D.Mariño; J. Vallejo, J. Moreno, J. Villar, C. Neva, J. A. Medina, A. Meléndez, A. Pacheco; Jefté, V.
- Probable Barcelona:Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Bernal; Yamal, Torres, Rashford (or substitute), Olmo.
Confirmed embezzlements impact planning
Albacete does not count on Edward Cedeño, Lluís López, Higinio Marín and Pepe Sánchez, all of whom are out due to injury. Essas absences force adjustments in the squad rotation.
In Barcelona, casualties in midfield and attack require improvisation. The technical committee chose to preserve some starters due to the tight schedule.
Jephté Betancor emerges as a threat in the Albacete attack
Jephté Betancor has stood out in recent Albacete statistics. The striker combines physical strength with the ability to finish inside the area.
His partnership with other front players creates varied options. His presence worries the Catalan defense with aerial balls and quick counterattacks.
Lamine Yamal represents creativity on the Catalan side
Lamine Yamal accumulates impressive numbers this season despite his young age. The player contributes with assists and goals in decisive moments.
His speed down the right flank challenges individual markers. Expectations fall on his ability to unbalance Albacete’s organized defense.
Carlos Belmonte Stadium prepares intense atmosphere
The Estádio Carlos Belmonte has capacity for around 17 thousand fans. The match should have a crowd close to the limit, driven by the home team’s historic campaign.
The local fans promise massive support right from the warm-up. The environment favors Albacete in eliminatory duels against teams with greater investment.
Referee and match details
José Luis Munuera Montero referees the match. The referee has an average number of cards considered balanced in previous games.
The match follows a single game format, with extra time and penalties in case of a draw. Não there is an away goal advantage in Copa from the current Rei.
Teams’ path to the quarterfinals
Albacete began the campaign by eliminating smaller teams before facing Celta of Vigo in the early stages. The victory over Real Madrid marked the high point so far.
Barcelona passed opponents from lower divisions with relative comfort. The team preserved starters in some games to manage physical wear and tear.
Where to watch and times in different zones
On Brasil, the transmission is carried out by ESPN 4 on closed TV and Disney+ on streaming. The ball rolls at 5pm at Brasília time.
On Espanha, the local time is 9 pm. Outros European countries follow the same time zone or with a small difference.
Rare history between the two teams
Direct encounters between Albacete and Barcelona have been scarce in recent decades. The majority occurred in seasons in which Albacete competed in the Spanish elite.
Barcelona has an advantage in previous confrontations, but the current context balances the forces. The home factor weighs significantly in this eliminatory duel.
The Albacete occupies an intermediate position in the Spanish Segunda Divisão. The team demonstrates tactical organization and success in decisive games throughout the season.
The campaign in Copa by Rei increased the group’s confidence. Jogadores experienced teams combine with promising young players in the current squad.
Barcelona maintains a solid campaign in La Liga and in European competitions. Copa of Rei represents an opportunity for an additional title in the season.
Cast management has been fundamental to performance. Jovens gain prominence amid injuries to starters.
The competition reaches the decisive phase with four games in the quarterfinals. The winner of this duel advances to face one of the classifieds from the other clashes.
Copa of Rei follows the traditional knockout format. Clubes from lower divisions often stage surprises at this stage.
