Match Preview for Albacete v Barcelona
Barcelona have the chance to do what Real Madrid couldn’t and knock Albacete out of the Copa del Rey tomorrow night.
The hosts’ win over Madrid on January 14 was a huge shock and ensured new coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s spell at the Bernabeu got off to the worst possible start.
His Barca counterpart Hansi Flick is wary of suffering the same fate in their quarter-final tie. He said: “Copa del Rey matches are like this. That’s why we like them, because sometimes they have unforeseen results. They have nothing to lose, just to win.”
Albacete have gone on a good run since the Madrid game, winning their last three games in the Segunda Division to climb to 12th in the standings.
And Flick knows his side will have to start on the front foot to quell the hosts’ enthusiasm. “We always analyse the opponent,” he added. “What Albacete did against Real Madrid was very impressive. What matters is how we start, with the right mentality. We will have to change little things. I was very happy in Elche with our football but we missed many clear opportunities. We are not looking for perfection, but for progress.”
Barcelona were hammered 3-0 at Chelsea in the Champions League on November 25. Since then they have played 16 games, winning 15, with the only defeat being a hard-luck loss at Real Sociedad on January 18.
“After the Chelsea match we have advanced step by step, raising the level,” said Flick. “The important players are at a great level. Tomorrow you have to have the good mentality, win the duels. That’s what I want to see.”
Striker Jefte Betancor was the Albacete hero against Madrid with two goals, including the late winner.
He admits Barca weren’t on his list of preferred opponents.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “We all said that it didn’t matter which team we got and that we had to enjoy it. Personally, I didn’t want Barça because I’m not stupid.
“Barca are in great form. Right now, they’re one of the best teams in the world, if not the best. We have to play a perfect game and hope that Barça doesn’t have a good day. Then we have a chance.
“Even if they don’t have a good day, Barça still has a lot of quality. But if we’re well connected, as we have been, we’ll have our chances.”
Team News for Albacete v Barcelona
Higinio Marin is struggling with a thigh injury and Edward Cedeno is unavailable for Albacete.
Barcelona will definitely be without winger Raphinha due to an adductor issue while Jules Kounde is a doubt. Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo are likely to step in.
Predicted line-ups for Albacete v Barcelona
Albacete: Lizoain; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gomez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Melendez; Medina, Betancor
Barcelona: J Garcia; Cancelo, E Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Bernal, Olmo; Rashford, Yamal; Lewandowski
How to watch Albacete v Barcelona: TV and online streams
Albacete versus Barcelona kicks off tomorrow at 8pm UK time. You can watch it in the UK on Premier Sports 1.
You can stream it on the bet365 app and website.
If you’re not in the UK, click HERE to see who has the rights in your region.
Stats for Albacete v Barcelona
- An Albacete win would match their best run in the competition, set in 1995 when they reached the semi-final
- Barcelona have won the Copa a record 32 times and are the defending champions
- Barcelona have won their last six meetings with Albacete
