While the reigning champions appeared to be cruising after goals from Lamine Yamal and a returning Ronald Araujo, they were forced to survive a frantic final assault from the Segunda Division side, who had already claimed the scalp of Real Madrid in the previous round.
Despite a sluggish start against Albacete’s disciplined block, Barcelona’s quality told in the 39th minute.
The opener: Marcus Rashford and Frenkie de Jong combined to win the ball high up the pitch, allowing the Dutchman to slide a pass to Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old took one touch before curling a clinical finish inside the far post for his 14th goal of the season.
The milestone: Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, later turned provider for the second goal. By assisting Araujo’s header, Rashford became only the third player in La Liga this season to reach double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions.
A standout moment for the Blaugrana was the performance of captain Ronald Araujo. Making his first start since taking a mental health break in December, the Uruguayan defender looked imperious at the back and doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a powerful glancing header from a Rashford corner.
Albacete, sitting 12th in the second tier, refused to go quietly. After Jefte Betancor missed two clear chances, Javi Moreno set up a grandstand finish with a diving header in the 87th minute.
The VAR intervention: Barcelona thought they had killed the game in the 89th minute through Ferran Torres, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
The save: In stoppage time, with Albacete throwing everything forward, Gerard Martín was forced into a desperate goal-line clearance to prevent the match from going into extra time.
