| Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad
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COMPETITION :
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Saudi Pro League
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| DATE: |
06 - 02 - 2026
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TIME:
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11.00 PM IST
09.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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AL-AWWAL PARK Stadium |
Match Preview
Albacete head into this Copa del Rey quarter-final in buoyant spirits, unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. That impressive run includes four wins and one draw, a surge in form that could hardly be better timed as they prepare for one of the biggest nights in the club’s modern history.
Currently sitting 12th in the Segunda División standings, Alberto González’s side have collected 33 points from 24 matches, recording nine wins, six draws and nine defeats. While their league campaign has been steady rather than spectacular, their cup performances have provided a major highlight of the season and renewed belief among players and supporters alike.
Last season, Albacete exited the Copa del Rey at the first hurdle after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to CE Europa. This time around, however, they have shown clear progress, embarking on a memorable run that has carried them all the way to the last eight.
That journey reached its peak in the round of 16, where Albacete stunned Real Madrid in a dramatic 3-2 victory. Javi Villar opened the scoring shortly before half-time, only for Franco Mastantuono to equalise for Madrid after the break. Substitute Jefte Betancor restored Albacete’s lead late on, before Gonzalo García forced extra time with a stoppage-time leveller. The contest appeared destined for penalties, but Betancor struck again in the 94th minute to seal a famous win and one of the greatest nights in the club’s history.
Albacete have never won the Copa del Rey, with their best-ever finish coming during the 1994-95 season, when they reached the semi-finals. This quarter-final appearance therefore represents their joint-second best run in the competition and a rare opportunity to push into uncharted territory.
Momentum has also carried over into league action. At the weekend, Albacete secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Real Zaragoza, with goals from Agus Medina and Betancor once again highlighting their growing attacking confidence ahead of this daunting test.
Barcelona, by contrast, arrive as competition royalty. The Catalan giants are the most successful side in Copa del Rey history, having lifted the trophy on 32 occasions, and they are also the reigning champions after edging past Real Madrid in a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory in last season’s final.
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona are enjoying a strong domestic campaign. They currently sit top of La Liga with 55 points from 22 matches, boasting an outstanding record of 18 wins, one draw and just three defeats. Their title credentials were underlined at the weekend as they came from behind to defeat Elche 3-1, with goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford completing the turnaround.
Barcelona have now won four of their last five matches across all competitions and will travel to Castilla-La Mancha full of confidence. They have also dominated recent meetings with Albacete, winning the last six encounters between the two sides. Their most recent clash came back in 2005, when Barcelona recorded a routine 2-0 league victory.
Despite their superior pedigree, Flick’s side will be wary of underestimating an Albacete team riding a wave of belief and backed by a passionate home crowd.
Recent Form
Albacete – Copa del Rey: WWDW
Albacete – All Competitions: LDWWWW
Barcelona – Copa del Rey: WW
Barcelona – All Competitions: WLWWWW
Team News
Albacete have a couple of fitness concerns heading into the tie. Higinio Marín is a doubt due to a thigh problem, while Edward Cedeño remains sidelined following surgery. Jefte Betancor is expected to be rewarded with a starting role after scoring twice against Real Madrid and finding the net again at the weekend.
Raúl Lizoain should continue between the posts, with Javier Moreno and Carlos Neva anchoring the defence. In midfield, Capi, Antonio Pacheco, Javi Villar and Ale Meléndez are expected to form the engine room, while Betancor and Agus Medina are likely to lead the line.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will be without Gavi as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury. Pedri is also sidelined with a hamstring issue and is not expected to return until late February, while Andreas Christensen remains unavailable due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Flick may opt for rotation, with Marc Bernal a potential inclusion in midfield in place of Frenkie de Jong. In attack, Marcus Rashford could start from the left, with Ferran Torres through the middle and Lamine Yamal occupying the right flank.