King’s Cup 2025-2026: Albacete-Barcelona, the likely lineups
Tonight at 9 p.m., the Carlos Belmonte is dressed up for a challenge that smells of history. L’Albacete, a second division club and true revelation team of the King’s Cup, challenges Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the quarterfinals. After resoundingly eliminating Real Madrid in the round of 16, González’s men are dreaming of another impossible feat against the Blaugrana. For its part, Barcelona, at the top of La Liga, approaches the match with a clear objective: to close the file as soon as possible to avoid nasty surprises in an edition already full of twists and turns.
The precedents smile on the Catalans, coming off six consecutive victories in direct clashes, but the two teams have not crossed paths in official matches since as far back as 2005. That match has remained etched in the collective memory because it was the occasion of a very young Lionel Messi’s first goal in a Barcelona jersey.
The Albacete is chasing another historic feat. After the incredible 3-2 with which it eliminated Real Madrid, fans dream of an encore against Barcelona. The attack will be led by Jefté Betancor, back from the decisive double against the Blancos. He will be flanked by Lazo, while defensive solidity is provided by’former Real Jesús Vallejo in front of Mariño, between the posts.
Flick is leaning toward fielding the starting eleven, confirming the trident that just crashed Elche’Elche. Ferran Torres in the center, supported by a regenerated Marcus Rashford and the talented Lamine Yamal. In midfield, revival for canterans Casado and Bernal, while in defense the presence of Joao Cancelo, recently bought from Al Nassr,
seems a foregone conclusion.
Probable lineups
Albacete (5-3-2): Mariño; Aguado, Moreno, Vallejo, Neva, Gomez; Agus Medina, Melendez, Pacheco; Betancor, Lazo. Coach: A. Gonzalez.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Szczesny; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Bernal, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, F. Torres, Rashford. Coach: Flick.
