Yamal’s on fire! Teen leads Barca into Copa semis
Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2–1 victory over Segunda Division side Albacete, thanks largely to another decisive display from Lamine Yamal.
The visitors were forced to be patient, finally breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute after a frustrating opening spell. Yamal provided the breakthrough, finishing calmly into the far corner after Barcelona won possession high up the pitch and Frenkie de Jong slid the ball into his path. It was the teenager’s fifth goal in six matches, underlining his sparkling form.
Despite arriving on the back of a three-game winning run and being clear favourites, Barcelona struggled early on to carve out clear chances. Albacete defended resolutely, limiting space and forcing the Catalan side into speculative efforts, with Marcus Rashford firing wide from their best opportunity before the opener.
Barcelona failed to fully take control after scoring, but Ronald Araujo gave them breathing room in the second half. The defender rose highest to power home a header from Rashford’s corner, a goal that appeared to extinguish Albacete’s hopes of a famous comeback.
Those hopes briefly flickered late on when Javi Moreno pulled one back, setting up a nervy finale as the hosts pushed for an equaliser. Barcelona, however, held firm to see out the win and secure safe passage into the last four.
Once again, it was Yamal who made the difference, continuing a remarkable run of form and leading Barcelona one step closer to domestic silverware.
