02/03/26 04:27:00
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02/03 16:25 CST Yamal scores as Barcelona beats Albacete 2-1 to reach Copa
semifinals
Yamal scores as Barcelona beats Albacete 2-1 to reach Copa semifinals
By TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer
MADRID (AP) --- Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo scored in each half as Barcelona
beat second-division Albacete 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the semifinals of the
Copa del Rey.
Albacete had shocked Real Madrid in the round of 16, eliminating the Spanish
powerhouse in what was the debut of new coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
It was Barcelona's 16th win in its last 17 matches across all tournaments, with
its only setback a loss at Real Sociedad in the Spanish league last month.
Barcelona has reached the Copa's last-four in four straight seasons. It won
last year's edition in a final against Madrid.
"We knew it wouldn't be easy," Araujo said. "Copa matches aren't decided until
the very end. They found a goal and it's normal for them to come at you in the
final minutes. The team handled it well. We're in the semifinals and that's
what's important."
Yamal gave the visitors the lead with a left-footed shot from inside the area
in the 39th minute after an assist by midfielder Frenkie de Jong. It was his
fifth goal in his last six club matches.
Araujo added to the lead with a header in the 56th after a corner by Marcus
Rashford. It was the central defender's first goal since taking time off to
deal with his mental health last year.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick did not include Raphinha, Gavi and Pedri in his
squad.
Albacete had a goal chalked off for offside in the 84th but finally got on the
board three minutes later through Javi Moreno.
Ferran Torres' late goal for Barcelona also was disallowed for offside.
Albacete almost equalized a few minutes later but were denied by a goal-line
clearance from Gerard Martn.
Albacete, which also eliminated first-division Celta Vigo in the round of 32,
sits 12th in the second division. It reached the semifinals of the Copa in
1994-95.
"We are very proud," Moreno said. "Who would have imagined we could knock out
Celta, Real Madrid and put up a good fight against Barcelona?"
Barcelona leads the Spanish league, sitting a point ahead of Madrid.
Two other matches in the last eight --- which is being played in single
elimination games --- will be on Wednesday: Valencia hosts Athletic Bilbao and
Sociedad will visit Alaves. On Thursday, Real Betis hosts Atletico Madrid.
The semifinal will be played over two legs. The final is in April in Sevilla.
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