Hansi Flick has challenged Barcelona players to improve their efficiency in front of goal after they sealed a 2-1 win at Albacete in Tuesday night’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash.
The hosts had delivered one of the most shocking results in the history of the competition by eliminating Real Madrid in the previous round and needed another giant killing performance to advance to the next stage once more.
However, it was Barcelona who progressed to the semifinal stage, ending Albacete’s fairytale run in the competition.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as the Catalan giants took a 1-0 lead into the break, which could have been more if they had not been too wasteful in front of goal.
“Albacete played very well, but we need to finish our chances better,” the German coach said in his post‑match press conference.
“We fought until the end, and it’s good to see this attitude from the players. I’m proud. In these type of matches you simply have to win, and we did. We’re in the semi-finals, so we’re happy.”
Ronald Araujo doubled the advantage in the second half, heading home from a corner kick by Marcus Rashford.
Flick was full of praise for the Uruguay defender who has endured a tough campaign so far and continues his journey to full form.
“He needs to go step by step, he scored an important goal that will help him gain confidence. He finished the match happy, but tired”, Flick added.
Albacete pulled one back through Javi Moreno, although it was merely a consolation as Barcelona advanced to the next stage.
Meanwhile, the other quarterfinal fixtures will be played on Wednesday and Thursday, to determine the remaining three teams that will join Barcelona in the final four.
Valencia host Athletic Bilbao today, while Alaves and Real Sociedad clash simultaneously. Action concludes on Thursday night when Real Betis face Atletico Madrid in the clash of the round.
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