Prediction: Albacete vs Barcelona

Verdict: Total goals over 3.5

Best odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: ZetBet

The Estadio Carlos Belmonte will be the stage for a compelling Copa del Rey quarter-final on Tuesday evening, as Segunda División side Albacete Balompié look to extend their remarkable run in the competition.

Barcelona, 32-time winners and the most successful club in the cup’s history, arrive as overwhelming favourites but wary of a host riding the wave of a fairytale campaign.

Albacete

Unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, Albacete have rediscovered their rhythm at the perfect time. Four victories and a draw have fuelled enthusiasm as Alberto González’s men prepare for one of the most significant occasions in the club’s recent history.

Currently 12th in the Segunda División with 33 points from 24 matches, their season has been mixed—nine wins, six draws and nine defeats—but their improvement in the Copa del Rey has been notable. After bowing out early last year, Albacete have surged to the quarter-finals in dramatic fashion.

Their stunning round-of-16 win over Real Madrid was the highlight. Javi Villar put them ahead, Franco Mastantuono equalised, and substitute Jefte Betancor scored twice—once in the 82nd minute and again in stoppage time after Gonzalo García had levelled late—to seal a sensational 3-2 triumph.

Albacete have never won the Copa del Rey, with their best run coming in 1994‑95 when they reached the semi-finals. This year’s quarter-final marks their joint‑second deepest run.

Confidence remains high after a 2-0 league victory over Real Zaragoza at the weekend, with Agus Medina and Betancor continuing their excellent form.

Team News

Higinio Marín is a doubt due to a thigh issue, while Edward Cedeño remains sidelined following surgery. Betancor—having scored twice versus Madrid and again last weekend—is expected to start.

Raúl Lizoain should retain his place in goal, while Javier Moreno and Carlos Neva anchor the defence. Capi, Antonio Pacheco, Javi Villar and Ale Meléndez are likely midfield starters, with Betancor and Agus Medina leading the line.

Barcelona

Barcelona enter as the tournament’s most decorated side, having lifted the Copa del Rey 32 times. They are also defending champions after last season’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Real Madrid.

Their domestic form remains outstanding. Hansi Flick’s men sit top of La Liga with 55 points from 22 matches, having secured 18 wins and suffering just three defeats. A 3-1 comeback victory over Elche at the weekend, courtesy of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford, extended their strong recent run.

Barcelona have won four of their last five matches across all competitions and have dominated past meetings with Albacete, winning the last six encounters. Their most recent clash was a 2-0 La Liga victory back in 2005.

Team News

Gavi continues his long-term recovery, while Pedri remains sidelined with a hamstring injury until late February. Andreas Christensen is also still out with a cruciate ligament injury.

Flick may rotate his squad, with Marc Bernal an option in midfield for Frenkie de Jong. Rashford could start on the left, Torres centrally and Yamal on the right.

Head-to-Head

The clubs have rarely crossed paths in recent decades, but Barcelona have dominated the fixture historically. Six consecutive victories and a long unbeaten record underline the gulf between the sides.

Albacete’s last win over Barcelona is now deep in the past, though their stunning triumph over Real Madrid earlier in this tournament is a reminder that cup football often defies logic.

Conclusion

Albacete’s extraordinary run has captured the imagination, and their recent form suggests they will not be overawed by the occasion. However, Barcelona’s superior depth, experience and attacking quality make them overwhelming favourites.

The hosts may cause moments of danger, but the reigning champions are expected to progress to the semi-finals.

Verdict: Total goals over 3.5

Best odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: ZetBet