Albacete and Barcelona enter the field this Tuesday, February 3, at Estádio Carlos Belmonte, in a single match valid for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. The clash is scheduled for 5pm at Brasília time, with the home team coming from the Spanish Segunda Divisão and the visitor leading the La Liga.
The live broadcast will be done by ESPN on closed TV and by streaming Disney+. Ambas platforms offer complete coverage of the Spanish tournament on Brasil.
Barcelona arrives as favorites after eliminating opponents in the previous stages, while Albacete is looking for a historic upset against one of the biggest clubs in Europa.
Where to watch and broadcast details
The match between Albacete and Barcelona will be broadcast exclusively to Brasil by ESPN and Disney+. Subscribers can follow the game on pay TV channels or directly on the streaming app.
The narration is carried out by ESPN’s usual team for Spanish competitions. Pre-match coverage starts around 30 minutes before kick-off.
Teams’ path to the quarterfinals
Barcelona advanced to the quarter-finals after convincing victories in the previous rounds of Copa and Rey. The Catalan team eliminated opponents from lower divisions with authority and maintained a positive streak in the tournament.
Albacete overcame teams from Segunda Divisão and surprised in elimination games. The club arrives motivated by the home advantage and the opportunity to face a European giant.
The single-game format in the quarterfinals increases the pressure on both teams. In case of a draw in normal time, the decision goes to extra time and penalties.
Probable lineup and absences
Albacete must enter the field with a defensive formation to contain Barcelona’s attack. The likely lineup includes Raúl Lizoain in goal, a defense line with Aguado, Moreno, Neva and Gómez, a midfield with Villar, Pacheco and
Coach Alberto González has no confirmed serious injuries. Algumas pieces can be saved thinking about the Segunda Divisão championship.
- Probable Albacete: Raúl Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gómez; Villar, Pacheco, Meléndez; Medina, Betancor, Higinio.
Barcelona must use a mixed team, but with important players. The likely lineup has Szczęsny in goal, defense with Cancelo, Araújo, Cubarsí and Baldé, midfield with Bernal, Casadó and
Hansi Flick has some doubts due to recent wear and tear. Jogadores or De Jong can enter during the match.
- Probable Barcelona: Szczęsny; Cancelo, Araújo, Cubarsí, Baldé; Bernal, Casadó, Olmo; Yamal, Torres, Ferran or another attacker.
History of confrontations and curiosities
Barcelona and Albacete have faced each other few times in official history. The Catalan club has won the majority of duels played, especially in league competitions in past decades.
The last official meeting took place more than 20 years ago. On Naquela occasion, Barcelona had an advantage in both rounds of the Spanish championship.
Estádio Carlos Belmonte records a high attendance for this type of match. The capacity of around 17 thousand fans should be almost completely occupied.
Last five games for each team
The Albacete comes from alternating results in the Spanish Segunda Divisão. The team has won two of its last five matches and drawn one.
- Albacete’s latest games:
- 2-0 victory against Real Zaragoza
- 1-0 victory against Real Valladolid
- Defeat in previous round
- Draw away from home
- Victory in the previous Copa
Barcelona maintains a great run this season. The team has won four of the last five official matches in all competitions.
- Barcelona’s latest games:
- 2-0 victory against Espanyol
- 2-0 victory against Villarreal
- Championship draw
- Significant victory in Copa
- Victory at La Liga
Weather forecast and lawn conditions
The temperature in Albacete this Tuesday should be between 8°C and 12°C. Há possibility of light rain during the day, according to local weather forecasts.
The lawn at Carlos Belmonte underwent recent maintenance. Conditions must be suitable even with possible precipitation.
The moderate wind should not significantly interfere with the style of play. Ambas the teams train considering the typical climate of the region in the Spanish winter.
Predictions and expectations for the game
Experts point to clear favoritism for Barcelona due to the technical difference. The average odds for a Catalan victory are around 1.20 at the main houses.
Albacete must focus on defensive organization and counterattacks. A possible surprise would involve exploiting the opponent’s mistakes in transition.
Analysts expect a score with goals from both sides. The over 2.5 goals market appears as a frequent option.
Tickets and audience attendance
Tickets for the game at Carlos Belmonte are on sale via the official Albacete website. The popular Setores sold out quickly after sales opened.
Barcelona fans organize caravans for travel. Visitor presence should be limited but vocal.
Demand exceeded the local board’s expectations. Medidas security measures were reinforced to welcome the general public.
Players to keep an eye on
Lamine Yamal continues to be the highlight of Barcelona this season. The young striker creates constant chances and appears well in knockout games.
For Albacete, Agus Medina leads in goals in Segunda Divisão. The midfielder can be an important player in set pieces.
Dani Olmo returns from the adaptation period and gains minutes. Sua vision of the game directly influences the Catalan offensive sector.
Context of the current Copa of the current Rey
The 2025/26 edition of Copa del Rey maintains a format with teams from lower divisions in the initial stages. Clubes from La Liga enter advanced rounds only.
The quarterfinals feature other balanced clashes. The winner of Albacete x Barcelona faces the qualifier from another duel in the semifinals.
The tournament distributes direct places to European competitions. The champion guarantees a place in the next Liga Europa.
