JAKARTA - The reward for Albacete, the giant conqueror, after eliminating Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey 16th round is a quarterfinal match at home against another strong team, Barcelona.
The second division team (Segunda Division) surprised Real Madrid last week with a thrilling 3-2 victory that was confirmed in the 94th minute through Jefte Betancor's second goal.
It was Albacete's second big win in this tournament after their penalty shootout victory over LaLiga top team Celta Vigo in the previous round.
Barcelona's path to the last eight is a little easier. The 32-time Copa del Rey champions won 2-0 at home to Racing Santander last week after previously knocking out Guadalajara by the same score.
The leader of LaLiga, whose record of 11 consecutive victories ended by Real Sociedad on Monday, January 19, 2026, early in the morning WIB, now has to face another obstacle against the Albacete team.
Albacete continued their victory over Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid by defeating Cadiz on Monday, January 19, 2026, early in the morning WIB, to end a four-game losing streak in the league and rise to 14th place in the Segunda Division.
Albacete is also the only team from the Segunda Division to make it to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the other contestants in the last eight are filled with LaLiga teams.
In another quarterfinal, 2022 Copa del Rey champions Real Betis will host Atletico Madrid, who have not lifted a trophy since 2013.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club will travel to Valencia and Alavas will welcome Real Sociedad.
The quarterfinal matches of the Copa del Rey will be played on February 3, 4, and 5, 2026.
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