Albacete vs Barcelona: can Albacete pull off another Copa del Rey miracle?
On Tuesday, February 3, we will witness a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash between Albacete and Barcelona. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET, and I am offering a betting option for this match.
Albacete vs Barcelona: match facts and head-to-head
- Albacete are unbeaten in five consecutive matches.
- Albacete have won their previous four games.
- Albacete have scored at least one goal in four straight matches.
- Barcelona have failed to score in only one match this season.
- Barcelona have won their last four matches.
- In half of their games this season, Barcelona have scored in both halves.
- Barça have won 31% of their matches this season with a clean sheet, compared to 28% for Albacete.
- Both Barcelona and Albacete have suffered just one scoreless defeat this season.
- The last time these two teams met was in 2005, a match that ended in a 2–0 victory for Barcelona.
Albacete vs Barcelona: match preview
Albacete have managed to produce miracles in this edition of the Copa del Rey — and not just one. First, in the fourth round, they defeated Celta Vigo 3–2, and then in the round of 16 they delivered something truly incredible. Playing at home, the team beat Real Madrid 3–2 in regular time. An extraordinary result that has taken them into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. On the domestic front, Albacete have climbed away from the bottom of the table after three consecutive victories. They now sit in 12th place with 33 points after 24 rounds.
Barcelona compete in the top tier of Spanish football and continue to post strong results. They currently top the league table with 55 points from 22 matches. Their lead over second place is just one point, so the title race is still wide open. It is also worth noting that Barça are the reigning Copa del Rey holders and entered this year’s competition at a later stage. In the fourth round, the Catalans defeated Guadalajara 2–0, before recording another 2–0 win against Racing. Now, Barcelona have the opportunity to secure a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Probable line-ups
- Albacete: Mariño, Gómez, Neva, Fran Gámez, Vallejo, Agus Medina, Pacheco, Javi Villar, Alejandro Meléndez, Jefté, Victor Valverde
- Barcelona: Joan García, Cubarsí, Baldé, Koundé, García, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, de Jong, Ferrán Torres, Rashford, Yamal
Prediction
In my view, Barcelona are the favourites for this match, and I am convinced they will be able to claim victory. It will not be easy, as Albacete have already knocked out two teams in the Copa del Rey. Nevertheless, I believe the Catalans will come out on top, and my bet is on Barcelona’s individual total to exceed 2.5 goals.
