Holders Barcelona secured their spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over second-division Albacete on Tuesday night.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 39th minute, curling a clinical finish past Raul Lizoain after high-pressing work from Frenkie de Jong and Marcus Rashford. It was Yamal's 14th goal of an impressive season.
In the second half, Marcus Rashford—currently on loan from Manchester United—turned provider. His 56th-minute corner found defender Ronald Araujo, who headed home to double the lead. The assist marked a milestone for Rashford, making him only the third player in Spain to reach double figures in both goals and assists this season.
Albacete, the "giant-killers" who famously knocked out Real Madrid in the previous round, refused to go quietly. Javi Moreno pulled one back in the 87th minute, setting up a tense finish. Barcelona’s Gerard Martín was forced into a goal-line clearance in the dying moments to preserve the win.
Despite having a late Ferran Torres goal disallowed for offside, Hansi Flick’s side held on to maintain their dominant form, marking their 16th win in 17 matches.
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