Albacete Balompié and The lineups for the two teams were confirmed by the clubs hours before kickoff. The clash pits the home team, which plays in the Spanish Segunda Divisão, against one of the favorites for the title.
Barcelona arrives with maximum strength to advance to the next phase. Albacete bets on the home advantage to try to surprise. The match is one of the highlights of the knockout round of the competition.
Where to watch live and stream online
The match between Albacete and Barcelona will be broadcast live on ESPN on closed television. Fans can also watch via streaming on Disney+, which holds the rights to Copa del Rey on Brasil. The broadcast starts minutes before the start of the game.
Other options include sports channel apps that offer the ESPN signal. The narration and comments will be available in Portuguese. Coverage includes pre- and post-game analysis of lineups and team performance.
Confirmed team lineups
Albacete enters the field with a 4-4-2 formation. The coach chose to maintain the base he advanced in the previous phases.
- Goalkeeper: 13 R. Lizoain (c)
- Defenders: 2 L. Aguado, 5 J. Moreno, 27 D. Bernabeu, 21 C.
- Midfielders: 17 A. Meléndez, 18 J. Villar, 6 A. Pacheco, 26
- Attackers: 4 A. Medina, 7 A. Puertas
Barcelona uses a similar formation, with 4-4-2. The team has stars in all sectors.
- Goalkeeper: 13 J.García
- Defenders: 2 J. Cancelo, 4 (c) R. Araújo, 24 E.
- Midfielders: 21 F. of Jong, 22 M. Bernal, 10 L. Yamal, 20 D.
- Attackers: 14 M.Rashford, 9 R.Lewandowski
Match and stadium details
The Estádio Carlos Belmonte has a capacity for around 17,500 spectators. The expectation is for a full house to welcome Barcelona. Tickets sold out quickly after the match was confirmed.
The city of Albacete is experiencing great mobilization for the game. Torcedores of Barcelona travel in large numbers to support the team. Security was reinforced around the stadium.
Weather forecast for the game
The temperature in Albacete at departure time will be around 10°C. The sky will be cloudy, with a chance of light rain. The conditions must not interfere with the lawn.
The wind will be light, with no significant impact on the game. Players will need to adapt to the cold typical of the Spanish winter. The match will be played under normal conditions for the time of year.
Confrontation history
Barcelona and Albacete have already faced each other in official competitions. The Catalan club has a clear advantage in previous duels for the Copa del Rey. The last meeting ended with a comprehensive victory for Barcelona.
Albacete is looking for its first significant victory against its rival. The history favors the visitors in knockout matches. The current confrontation represents a rare opportunity for the home team.
Recent team performance
The Albacete comes from an alternating sequence in the Segunda Divisão. Nos last five games, recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat. The team showed defensive strength at home.
Barcelona maintains a good moment this season. Nos last five games, won four wins and one draw. The attack continues as the main weapon, with a high average number of goals scored.
Last five Albacete results
- 2-1 victory against Segunda Divisão team
- 0-0 away draw
- 1-0 victory at home
- 0-2 away defeat
- 1-1 draw in the last match
The team demonstrated defensive consistency. The results show the ability to score in different scenarios. Performance at home has been the difference.
Last five Barcelona results
- 3-0 win at La Liga
- 1-1 away draw
- 4-1 victory at home
- 2-0 away win
- 5-2 victory in the last game
The attack stands out with its volume of goals. The defense conceded few goals in the period. The team arrives confident for the knockout clash.
Game refereeing
The main referee will be appointed by Federação Espanhola. Auxiliares and VAR complete the refereeing team. History indicates strict application of the rules in Copa del Rey matches.
VAR will be available for controversial moves. Arbitration seeks impartiality in unequal confrontations. Important Decisões can influence the course of the match.
Top scorers and individual highlights
Robert Lewandowski is one of the competition’s top scorers. The Polish striker is looking to increase his record in the Copa del Rey. Lamine Yamal appears as a rising promise in Barcelona.
For Albacete, players like A. Medina and A. Puertas are references in the attack. The team is betting on speed to surprise. The individual duel will be decisive at key moments.
Curiosities about the confrontation
Barcelona is looking for its 32nd title at Copa del Rey. Albacete has never reached the semi-finals in recent decades. The confrontation represents the essence of the competition, with possible upsets.
Young Barcelona players get important minutes. Albacete has an experienced captain to lead the team. The match can define trajectories in the season.
Guesses and expectations
Experts point to clear favoritism for Barcelona. The technical and squad difference weighs in favor of the visitors. Albacete relies on the support of the fans to balance things out.
The most predicted score is Barcelona winning by two or more goals difference. The game promises intensity from the first minutes. The tie puts extra pressure on the teams.
