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Match preview for Albacete in Barcelona
Barcelona What is the opportunity to do Real Madrid Couldn’t knock Albacete out of the Copa del Rey last night.
The hosts’ win against Madrid on 14 January was a major setback and ensured new coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s spell at the Bernabeu got off to the worst possible start.
His Barca counterpart Hansi Flick is wary of suffering a similar fate in their quarter-final tie. He said: “Copa del Rey matches are like this. That’s why we like them, because sometimes they give unexpected results. They have nothing to lose, only to win.”
Albacete have been on a good run since the Madrid game, winning their last three games in the Segunda Division to move up to 12th in the standings.
And Flick knows his side will have to start on the front foot to quell the hosts’ enthusiasm. “We always analyze the opponent,” he added. “What Albacete did against Real Madrid was very impressive. It is important how we start with the right mentality. We have to change a few things. I was very happy in Elche with our football but we missed many clear chances. We are not looking for perfection, but for progress.”
Barcelona beat Chelsea 3–0 in the Champions League on 25 November. Since then they have played 16 games, winning 15, with the only loss being a hard-luck defeat at Real Sociedad on 18 January.
“After the Chelsea match we went step by step, raised the level,” said Flick. “The important players are at a great level. You have to have a good mentality tomorrow, the duel has to be won. That’s what I want to see.”
Striker Jefte Betancourt was Albacet’s hero with two goals against Madrid, including a late winner.
He admits that Barca are not on his list of preferred opponents.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “We all said it doesn’t matter which team we get and we should enjoy it. Personally, I don’t want Barca because I’m not stupid.
“Barca are in great form. Right now, they are one of the best teams in the world, if not the best. We have to play the perfect game and hopefully Barca don’t have a good day. Then we have a chance.
“Even if they don’t have a good day, Barca still have a lot of quality. But if we are well connected, like we were, we will have our chances.”
Team news for Albacete in Barcelona
Higuinio Marin is struggling with a thigh injury and Edward Cedeno is unavailable for Albacete.
Barcelona will certainly be without winger Rafinha due to an adductor issue while Jules Kaunde is a doubt. Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo are likely to feature.
Predicted line-ups for Albacete vs Barcelona
Albaset: Lizoin; Aguado, Moreno, Neva, Gomez; Capi, Pacheco, Villar, Melendez; Medina, Betancourt
Barcelona: J Garce; Chanel, and Garcia, Cubic, Tile; Jong, Bernal, Olm; Rashford, Yamal; Lewandowski
How to watch Albacete vs Barcelona: TV and online streams
Barcelona vs Albacete kicks off tomorrow at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on Premier Sports 1 in the UK.
You can stream it on the bet365 app and website.
If you’re not in the UK, click here here To see who has rights in your region.
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Statistics for Albacete in Barcelona
- A win for Albacete would match their best run in the competition, which was set in 1995 when they reached the semi-finals.
- Barcelona have won the Copa a record 32 times and are the defending champions
- Barcelona have won the last six meetings with Albacete
