Copa del Rey 2025/26: Albacete vs Barcelona Preview, Prediction, TV channels & Predicted Lineup
Albacete Balompié hosts Spanish giants Barcelona in a high-stakes Copa del Rey quarter-final. The Segunda Division side dreams of a historic upset against a Barça team targeting a domestic double.
Match Facts
This is a single-leg quarter-final tie; the winner advances directly to the semi-finals.
The "Clockwork Cheese" reached this stage by knocking out top-flight opposition in the previous round, proving they are no pushovers at home.
Following a grueling La Liga schedule, Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad, though star power will remain on the bench if needed.
There is a significant gap in the pyramid between these two, but Albacete’s Carlos Belmonte stadium is known for its intimidating, compact atmosphere.
Barcelona comes into this match following a professional 3-1 win over Elche, while Albacete sits mid-table in the Segunda Division.
Predicted Lineup
Albacete (4-4-2): Rivero; Javi Rueda, Kaiky, Datkovic, Alonso; Agus Medina, Riki Rodríguez, Rai Marchán, Manu Fuster; Quiles, Higinio Marín.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Iñaki Peña; Koundé, Sergi Domínguez, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Martín; Casadó, Pablo Torre, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Pau Víctor, Ansu Fati.
Prediction of AI
While cup ties often produce surprises, Barcelona’s technical superiority should be the deciding factor. Albacete will likely defend deep and look for counter-attacks, but Barça’s depth—even with rotation—is expected to wear down the hosts over 90 minutes.
Score Prediction: Albacete 0 - 2 Barcelona.
Kick Off Time?
Competition: Copa del Rey (Quarter-final)
Kick-off (GMT): 20:00, Tuesday 3 February 2026
Stadium, location: Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete, Spain
How to Watch in Spain, UK and US?
In Spain: Live on Movistar+ and RTVE Play (Teledeporte).
In the UK: Available via Premier Sports and the Viaplay app.
In the US: Exclusively streaming on ESPN+.
TV Channel and Live Stream: You can also follow Xscore808 live updates for other countries.
