Barcelona is set to face Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals tonight, a crucial match where they aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Having begun their tournament journey in the Round of 32, they have successfully navigated through earlier rounds, defeating Guadalajara and Racing Santander with identical 2-0 scorelines. Their upcoming opponent, Albacete, has proven to be a formidable force, having already ousted two La Liga teams, including a notable 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the preceding round, indicating that this match will be far from an easy win for the Blaugrana.
Manager Hansi Flick faces the challenge of strategically assembling his squad, as several key players are unavailable for the match. Raphinha is sidelined due to an overload, while Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen are out with injuries. Despite these absences, Flick is expected to implement significant rotations. In defense, Joan Garcia is poised to start in goal, with Joao Cancelo returning to fill the right-back position and Gerard Martin covering the left flank, allowing Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde much-needed rest. The central defense will likely see captain Ronald Araujo, who recently returned from a mental health break, partnering with the reliable Pau Cubarsi. The midfield will be anchored by Frenkie de Jong, who delivered an impressive performance against Elche, joined by the promising youngster Marc Bernal. Dani Olmo is expected to transition to his natural No. 10 role, giving Fermin Lopez a break. Upfront, the absence of Raphinha opens an opportunity for Marcus Rashford to start, while Roony Bardghji will likely take the right-wing position to rest Lamine Yamal. Robert Lewandowski is expected to lead the attack, stepping in for Ferran Torres.
This match presents an excellent opportunity for some of Barcelona's less-featured players to demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to the team's success. It also underscores the importance of squad depth and strategic rotation in managing a demanding fixture schedule. Overcoming a resilient Albacete side will not only secure Barcelona's progression in the Copa del Rey but also build confidence and cohesion within the team, fostering a spirit of collective effort and determination that is vital for achieving their seasonal ambitions.