SOCCER: Barcelona advance to cup semis as Albacete’s run ends

ALBACETE, Spain – Barcelona survived a late scare to beat Albacete 2-1 away on Tuesday, becoming the first team to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a sweeping left-footed strike, and captain Ronald Araujo doubled the lead from a second-half corner, keeping Barcelona on track to defend the trophy they won last year.

Albacete, who play in Spain’s second division, pulled one back through Javier Moreno in the 87th minute and nearly forced extra drama when a late effort was cleared off the line in stoppage time. The 12th-placed side had already shocked Celta Vigo and Real Madrid in earlier rounds.

The first goal came after Marcus Rashford intercepted the ball and set up Frenkie de Jong, who assisted Yamal. Barcelona had earlier chances through Rashford and Dani Olmo, whose volley was deflected for a corner.

Albacete had two opportunities to equalize before halftime, but forward Antonio Puertas failed to convert. Barcelona extended their lead in the 56th minute when Araujo headed home in his first start since returning from a mental health break in December.

Substitute Jefte Betancor, who scored twice against Real Madrid last month, could not make an immediate impact, missing a chance in the 63rd minute and later failing to score from a free header. Moreno’s late header gave Albacete hope, but a potential Barcelona third goal by Ferran Torres in the 89th minute was ruled offside. Albacete pressed hard in the final moments, forcing Gerard Piqué to clear off the line.

Other Copa del Rey quarter-finals include Deportivo Alaves hosting Real Sociedad, Valencia welcoming Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, and Atletico Madrid visiting Real Betis on Thursday.

Barcelona lifted the Copa del Rey last year with a 3-2 extra-time win over Real Madrid in Seville. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters