FC Barcelona have been handed a tricky away test in the Copa del Rey 2025-26 quarterfinals after being drawn against Segunda División side Albacete Balompié. The draw, held at the Spanish Football Federation headquarters in Las Rozas, paired the defending champions with the tournament’s biggest surprise package.
Albacete arrive at this stage after eliminating Real Madrid in a dramatic 3–2 victory, making them the only second-division team still alive in the Copa del Rey 2025-26. Their fearless run has already captured national attention, and now they prepare to host Hansi Flick’s Barcelona at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte in a single-leg knockout tie.
Barcelona v Albacete Key Details:
- Competition: Copa del Rey 2025-26
- Stage: Quarterfinals
- Match: Albacete vs FC Barcelona
- Venue: Estadio Carlos Belmonte
- Date: February 3, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 9:00 PM
- Format: Single-leg knockout
The Copa del Rey 2025-26 quarterfinal round includes seven LaLiga sides and just one team from the Segunda División. Alongside Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Valencia, and Alavés all progressed to the last eight.
Due to the competition format, Albacete will play at home regardless of the opponent. This single-match scenario gives the Manchego side a significant advantage, especially after their historic victory over Real Madrid.
The match is scheduled to be played between February 3 and 5, with kickoff confirmed for Tuesday, February 3 at 9:00 PM at the Carlos Belmonte.
First-ever Copa meeting between Barcelona and Albacete
The quarterfinal tie will mark the first time Barcelona and Albacete face each other in the Copa del Rey. In league competition, the two sides have met 14 times, with Barcelona recording nine wins, four draws, and one defeat.
Albacete’s lone league victory came in the 1994–95 season at Camp Nou, while Barcelona’s most recent visit to the Carlos Belmonte dates back to December 2004, when goals from Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández secured a 2–1 win.
The Copa del Rey 2025-26 clash promises a charged atmosphere, with a sold-out stadium expected and Albacete playing with confidence after making history.
Inside the Albacete dressing room, belief remains high. Jefté Betancor, who scored twice against Real Madrid, spoke after the draw and made the team’s intentions clear.
He stated that Albacete will play with heart, belief, and total commitment, emphasizing that the team already proved its quality against one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Barcelona’s path and packed schedule
Barcelona enter the Copa del Rey 2025-26 quarterfinals after defeating Racing de Santander 2–0 in the round of 16. Earlier in the competition, they also overcame Guadalajara in the round of 32.
The quarterfinal tie comes during a demanding period for Hansi Flick’s squad. The match will be played one week after the final Champions League league-phase fixture against Copenhagen and sandwiched between LaLiga matches against Elche and Mallorca.
Should Barcelona progress, the Copa del Rey 2025-26 semifinals will be drawn on February 6. The semifinals are the only stage played over two legs, scheduled for February 10–11 and March 4–5.
Barcelona boast a dominant recent record in the Copa del Rey. They have progressed from 53 of their last 58 knockout ties and have suffered very few early eliminations since 2010.
Under Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have already overcome six consecutive ties in the competition, scoring 23 goals and conceding just five. Against Albacete, Barcelona will aim to continue that dominance, while knowing the danger posed by an inspired underdog. Thus,the Copa del Rey 2025-26 quarterfinal between Albacete and FC Barcelona sets up a classic knockout encounter where form, belief, and atmosphere could prove decisive.
While Barcelona arrive as defending champions with a strong recent record in the competition, Albacete’s historic run and home advantage at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte make them a dangerous opponent. With a single-leg format and momentum firmly on the side of the underdogs, this Copa del Rey 2025-26 clash promises intensity, drama, and the potential for another unforgettable chapter in the tournament’s rich history.
FAQs
What stage of the Copa del Rey 2025-26 is Barcelona vs Albacete?
The match is part of the Copa del Rey 2025-26 quarterfinals.
Where will the Copa del Rey 2025-26 match between Albacete and Barcelona be played?
The match will be played at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte in Albacete.
Why is Albacete considered a giant-killer in the Copa del Rey 2025-26?
Albacete eliminated Real Madrid 3–2 in the round of 16, making them the tournament’s biggest surprise.
Is this the first Copa del Rey meeting between Barcelona and Albacete?
Yes, this is the first time the two clubs meet in the Copa del Rey.
When are the Copa del Rey 2025-26 semifinals?
The semifinals will be drawn on February 6, with matches played on February 10–11 and March 4–5.
