Albacete are enjoying a historic Copa del Rey run and will welcome Barcelona to the Estadio Carlos Belmonte full of belief after already toppling La Liga opposition on their way to the quarter-finals. Victories over Celta Vigo and, most impressively, Real Madrid have propelled the Segunda Division side into their first Copa del Rey quarter-final since the 94/95 season, Softfootball reports.
Their dramatic first-ever win over Real Madrid in 15 attempts has been widely regarded within the club as a turning point, and that confidence has translated into domestic form, with Albacete recording three consecutive clean-sheet league victories since that famous night.
Home advantage could be crucial once again. Albacete have won four of their last five home games across all competitions, losing just once in that run, and the atmosphere at a sold-out Carlos Belmonte is expected to be electric. With promotion ambitions firmly back on track and nothing to lose against elite opposition, the hosts will look to remain compact, frustrate Barcelona, and strike when opportunities arise.
