7M - Lamine Yamal and Araujo Guide Barcelona Past Stubborn Albacete

FC Barcelona advanced to the next round with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Albacete in a match decided deep into added time, providing suspense until the final moment.

From the start, Barça controlled possession and looked to dictate play, frequently leaning on the flair of Lamine Yamal, who quickly became a threat on the wing. As early as the 4th minute, the young winger delivered an accurate cross to Marcus Rashford, who surprisingly missed from close range. Soon after, Dani Olmo appealed for a penalty following contact inside the area, but the referee allowed play to continue—a decision that drew strong protests.

The Catalans’ pressure finally told in the 38th minute, when Lamine Yamal found space in the center of the box and fired a first-time finish into the net, making the scoreline reflect Barça’s first-half control.

After the break, Barcelona came out with even more intent. Dani Olmo, Rashford, and Lewandowski pressed Albacete back, forcing goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain into several sharp saves. The second goal came from a corner in the 56th minute: Ronald Araujo soared above the defense and powered home a commanding header, doubling the lead.

With the match appearing secure, Hansi Flick introduced Ferran Torres, who made an immediate impact. The Spanish forward repeatedly threatened the Albacete goal, wasted clear opportunities, but kept pushing for a third—often combining effectively with Lamine Yamal.

Albacete, however, refused to surrender. They revived the contest late on: first having a goal ruled out for offside, and then in the 86th minute, Javi Moreno nodded in from a set piece to reduce the deficit, suddenly reigniting the tie.

What followed was a tense finale, with Albacete pouring forward and Barcelona defending resiliently. During stoppage time, Fran Gamez nearly leveled the score, but a last-ditch block from the Barça back line kept the hosts ahead.

Just as an equalizer seemed possible, the late drama continued. In the 90th minute, Ferran Torres—after relentless effort—turned the ball in from close range, only for the effort to be chalked off for offside.

The final whistle soon sounded, confirming Barcelona’s progression in a match where Lamine Yamal sparkled, Ronald Araujo delivered a crucial contribution, and Ferran Torres’ perseverance stood out—a victory built on both quality and grit.