Albacete vs Barcelona prediction 03.02.2026 | Copa del Rey

Albacete’s cup run has gathered momentum with each round. It started calmly enough with a 3-0 win over San Fernando, then a solid 2-1 victory against Leganés. The tension rose from there. A penalty shootout win over Celta Vigo after a 2-2 draw, followed by that unforgettable 3-2 success against Real Madrid.

Now the Clockwork Cheese stand one game away from matching their best ever Copa del Rey run, a semi-final exit back in 1994-95. You can sense belief building. Four straight wins, three clean sheets, and a group that looks organised rather than reckless.

Agus Medina has eight goals to his name this season and should lead the line alongside Jefté Betancor, who scored again last time out to make it five for the campaign. Edward Cedeño and Higinio Marín miss out through hamstring and ankle problems.

Barcelona entered the competition at the round of 16 and did the job professionally against Racing. That 2-0 win stretched an impressive run before a brief stumble away at Real Sociedad in the league.

Since then, Hansi Flick’s side have responded well. Four straight wins, including eye-catching Champions League victories over Slavia Praha and Copenhagen.

The goals keep coming, and not in small doses either. Three in each of the last two league outings, then four in each of the last two in Europe. You start to notice a pattern.

Lamine Yamal stays on the right with 23 goals and assists to his name, Raphinha works the other side, and Lewandowski should return up front. Gavi is still sidelined after arthroscopy, while Christensen and Pedri continue their recoveries.