Barcelona faces Albacete this Tuesday (3) in the quarterfinals of Copa of Rei 2025/2026, in a single match at Estádio Carlos Belmonte, at Albacete, at Espanha. The game starts at 9pm local Spanish time, which corresponds to 5pm Brasília time. The Catalan team arrives as the favorite and current champion of the competition, while Albacete seeks to repeat the upset that eliminated Real Madrid in the previous phase.
Blaugrana fans’ biggest doubt revolves around the participation of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker appears listed in the squad and is part of the probable lineup published by specialized vehicles, but the starting line-up has not yet been officially confirmed by the club or coach Hansi Flick. The expectation is that the number 9 will start playing, especially after the good moment experienced by Barcelona this season.
The live broadcast takes place on ESPN on pay TV and on Disney+ on streaming. Quem prefers to follow the bids in detail, you can access Tempo Real on digital platforms specialized in sports coverage. The confrontation is a single game, with no extra time in case of a draw, deciding everything in the regular 90 minutes.
Doubts about Lewandowski stir fans and pressRobert Lewandowski has been a fundamental part of Barcelona’s attack this season, with impressive numbers in goals and assists. Sua presence in the list and in the probable lineup indicates that the medical department has released the player following recent evaluations. Confirmation of ownership only occurs moments before the match, which keeps expectations high among fans. Flick usually uses the Pole as a reference in attack, especially in decisive games.
Where to watch and official timesThe duel can be seen live on ESPN and Disney+, with narration and comments in Portuguese. Real-time coverage includes statistics, plays and analysis throughout the 90 minutes. The local time at Albacete makes it easier for the home fans to be present, who must fill the stadium to support the team from No Brasil, the ball rolls at the beginning of the night.
Probable lineup and confirmed absencesBarcelona: Joan García; Koundé, Eric García, Cubarsí, Balde; Fermín López, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo; Rashford, Lewandowski (or Ferran Torres), Lamine Yamal. Técnico: Hansi Flick. The lineup above is the most rated so far, with Lewandowski as the starting center forward. Raphinha remains out due to overload on the right adductor, while Gavi, Pedri and Christensen remain injured for a long time. Albacete must enter Raul Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gomez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Melendez; Betancor, Medina. Técnico: Alberto González. Higinio Marín and Edward Cedeño remain absent due to physical problems.
Recent team formBarcelona is going through an excellent phase, with 14 wins in the last 15 games in all competitions. The only loss came to Real Sociedad in January. The team leads LaLiga and has already guaranteed a direct place in the round of 16 of Champions League. Albacete arrives strong, unbeaten in five matches in Segunda Divisão, with four wins and one draw. Apesar from 12th place in the table, the elimination of Real Madrid in Copa of Rei gives extra morale to the group.
Historical context of the confrontationBarcelona is the biggest winner of Copa from Rei, with 32 titles, and is looking to advance to the semifinals. In the previous phase, they beat Racing Santander 2-0. Para o Albacete, this is the first time in the quarterfinals of the competition. The feat against Real Madrid already goes down in the club’s history, regardless of the result against Barça.
Expected deciding factors in the gameBarcelona’s high pressure and technical quality should predominate, but Albacete relies on strong pressing and quick counterattacks. The support of the fans at Carlos Belmonte can balance the forces. Hansi Flick highlighted the importance of maintaining the correct mentality and adapting to the stadium and the opponent. The use of VAR will be present to assist the referee José Luis Munuera Montero.
The match promises initial balance, with Barcelona seeking to impose its offensive game and Albacete resisting to explore spaces. The definition of Lewandowski will only be 100% confirmed at the time of warm-up.
