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The path to glory is rarely smooth, and Barcelona found that out the hard way, grinding out a narrow 2-1 victory over Albacete in a nail-biting Copa del Rey clash. While the scoreline hints at struggle, one name shone brightest, reaffirming his status as Barça's generational talent: Lamine Yamal.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key takeaways from a hard-fought evening:
- Lamine Yamal delivered a sensational performance, scoring the opener and consistently threatening Albacete's defense.
- Captain for the night, Ronald Araujo, netted the decisive goal, showcasing leadership at the back.
- João Cancelo was strategically substituted at half-time following a booking and questionable defensive judgment.
- Despite a strong starting XI, Barcelona faced late pressure, securing their semi-final spot with a less-than-comfortable finish.
Unpacking the Thriller: Barcelona's Copa del Rey Journey Continues
Hansi Flick opted for a robust lineup, signalling his intent to take the Copa del Rey seriously. Yet, even with formidable talent on display, Albacete made Barcelona work for every inch. The game was a stark reminder that cup competitions can humble even the biggest giants, demanding grit alongside flair.
Teen Prodigy Steals the Show: Attacking Prowess
Lamine Yamal (9/10): What more can be said about this phenom? Yamal was simply breathtaking. His stunning finish to open the scoring set the tone, and from then on, he was a constant, unpredictable threat. Every touch brimmed with intent, every pass carried danger, cementing his role as Barcelona's brightest spark. He wasn't just scoring; he was creating, daring, and dominating.
Robert Lewandowski (5/10): A frustrating night for the prolific striker. Lewandowski struggled to influence the game, finding himself isolated and unable to make his usual impact. His sole attempt on goal was comfortably saved, highlighting a rare quiet evening for the veteran.
Marcus Rashford (7/10): While he might rue an early missed opportunity, Rashford's overall contribution was solid. His relentless pressing played a key part in the build-up to Yamal's goal, and he then delivered a perfect assist for Araujo's winner. A loanee eager to impress, his work rate and directness were valuable assets.
Midfield Maestros: The Engine Room's Performance
Frenkie de Jong (8/10): The Dutch orchestrator was a class apart. De Jong was pivotal in the opening goal, expertly pressing high and delivering the assist for Yamal. His vision and control consistently kept Barcelona ahead of Albacete, illustrating his invaluable intelligence and technical superiority in the midfield battle.
Dani Olmo (7/10): Olmo wasn't shy about testing the goalkeeper, unleashing six shots, three of which were on target. His smooth ball control and intelligent distribution helped link play effectively, providing a consistent creative outlet from the middle of the park.
Marc Bernal (6/10): A combative presence in the heart of midfield, Bernal put in an honest shift. While showing glimpses of his potential, there were moments where he appeared a touch off the pace, reflecting his ongoing adaptation to the senior level.
Defensive Resilience, Late Drama: Backline Breakdown
Ronald Araujo (8/10): Our captain for the evening led by example. Araujo was a towering figure in defense, organizing the backline with authority. Crucially, he stepped up to score what ultimately became the winning goal, proving his worth at both ends of the pitch. A true leader's performance.
Eric Garcia (7/10): Recalled to the starting XI, Eric Garcia delivered a composed and reliable performance. He handled his defensive duties with maturity, doing his chances of more regular playtime no harm whatsoever. A solid showing from the center-back.
Gerard Martin (7/10): Operating tirelessly down the left flank, Martin provided vital attacking width and executed several important defensive interventions. His energetic display was a testament to his commitment on both sides of the ball.
João Cancelo (4/10): A forgettable first half for Cancelo. Despite offering some dangerous attacking crosses, his defensive naivety was glaring. A booking in the 15th minute and subsequent risks forced Flick's hand, leading to his half-time withdrawal. A clear area for improvement.
Joan Garcia (5/10): Largely untroubled for most of the match, Garcia saw his clean sheet dramatically spoiled in the dying moments. While not at fault for the goal, the late concession added an unnecessary layer of tension to the victory.
Bench Impact & Manager's Verdict
Hansi Flick (6/10): Flick's decision to field a strong side demonstrated his respect for the competition. However, the German tactician will undoubtedly be left slightly frustrated by the narrow margin of victory and the late scare. His early substitution of Cancelo showed decisive management, but Barça lacked the clinical edge to kill the game off comfortably.
Substitutes:
- Pau Cubarsi (6/10): Came on and helped stabilize the defense during Albacete's late push.
- Fermin Lopez (7/10): Provided a much-needed spark, creating chances and showing liveliness.
- Marc Casado (5/10): Looked a bit off the pace, committing four fouls during his brief appearance.
- Ferran Torres (6/10): Unlucky to see his effort for a third goal disallowed by VAR, but showed good attacking intent.
- Jules Kounde (6/10): Introduced late to shore up the defense, helping Barcelona see out the crucial victory.
