A true "David vs. Goliath" story unfolds tonight, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as the only remaining second-division side, Albacete Balompié, hosts the defending champions FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The Estadio Carlos Belmonte is expected to be a cauldron of noise as the home side looks to claim its biggest scalp yet after already knocking out Real Madrid in the previous round.
Match Details
Fixture: Albacete vs FC Barcelona
Competition: Copa del Rey (Quarter-Finals)
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 20:00 UTC / 21:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete
Referee: Jose Luis Munuera Montero
Pre-Match Analysis
Albacete: The Giant Killers
Under the tactical guidance of Alberto González, Albacete has become the sensation of this year's tournament. Their path to the quarter-finals reads like a fairy tale, having eliminated Celta Vigo and then stunning the world with a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid.
Currently 12th in LaLiga 2, Albacete has found a new gear in 2026. They are on a four-game unbeaten run in the league without conceding a single goal, including a 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza last weekend. They will likely deploy a compact 5-3-2 block to frustrate Barcelona and look for the clinical finishing of Jefté Betancor on the break.
Barcelona: The Relentless Holders
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side is operating at a different altitude. They are currently leading LaLiga and recently secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Elche. With 15 goals in their last five matches, the Blaugrana are a scoring machine, led by the veteran precision of Robert Lewandowski and the generational talent of Lamine Yamal.
Flick has emphasized that there is "no room for complacency," especially after seeing Albacete's exploits against their rivals in the capital. While rotations are expected, Barcelona is fielding a potent squad determined to reach their 63rd semi-final.
Team News & Injury Reports
Albacete Team News
Doubts: Lead striker Higinio Marín is a major doubt due to a thigh injury.
Absences: Edward Cedeño remains out long-term following surgery.
The "Barça" Connection: Veteran defender Jesús Vallejo and attacker Antonio Puertas (who has previously scored against Barça) will provide the experience needed for such a massive fixture.
Barcelona Team News
Serious Blow: Raphinha is the latest addition to the injury list after straining his adductor muscle; he did not travel.
Long-term Absences: Gavi (knee), Pedri (hamstring), and Andreas Christensen (cruciate ligament) remain sidelined.
Opportunities: Younger stars like Roony Bardghji and Fermin López are expected to start as Flick manages the squad's minutes.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Albacete (5-3-2):
Rivero; Álvaro, Vallejo, Djetei, Glauder, Jonathan Gómez; Agus Medina, Riki Rodríguez, Manu Fuster; Antonio Puertas, Jefté Betancor.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Iñaki Peña; Koundé, Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Balde; Marc Casadó, Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Roony Bardghji; Robert Lewandowski.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
The Gap: This is the first competitive meeting between these sides since May 1, 2005 (the day Lionel Messi scored his first official goal for Barça).
Barcelona Form: They have won 4 of their last 5 games across all competitions, scoring 15 goals.
Albacete Form: Unbeaten in 2026 so far (4W, 1D).
The "Belmonte" Factor: Real Madrid only had 22% of the ball in their loss here; expect Barcelona to dominate possession (70%+) while Albacete sits deep.
Prediction: Albacete 1-3 Barcelona
While Albacete’s spirit is undeniable, Barcelona’s depth and Flick's high-pressing system should eventually break down the low block. Albacete might find joy on a counter-attack through Betancor, but the individual quality of Yamal and the fresh legs of Bardghji should secure the visitors a place in the final four.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Barcelona Win. The gulf in quality is significant over 90 minutes.
Both Teams to Score: Yes. Albacete has scored in every cup round so far, including three against Madrid.
Anytime Goalscorer: Lamine Yamal. He has scored in his last two games and is in irresistible form.
Half with Most Goals: Second Half. Albacete will likely hold firm early, but fatigue may set in after the hour mark.
