Araújo’s Emotional Return Lifts Barcelona Past Albacete Into Copa del Rey Semis
Barcelona are through to the Copa del Rey semifinals, but this was never just about the result. It was about a captain coming back, a team holding its nerve and a stadium that pushed until the very last second.
At the Carlos Belmonte, Barcelona edged past Albacete 2–1 in a match that demanded patience and resilience. The breakthrough came before halftime when Lamine Yamal, once again playing with fearless confidence, struck to give Barça control. But the moment that defined the night arrived after the break. Ronald Araújo, back in the starting lineup after more than a month away from football due to personal and mental health reasons, rose to meet a corner and powered home the second goal.
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That goal mattered far beyond the scoreboard. Araújo is Barcelona’s captain and his absence had been felt deeply inside the club. His return was already significant, but to score the goal that ultimately sent Barça into the semifinals turned the moment into something deeply emotional. The celebration said it all. Teammates rushed toward him. Head coach Hansi Flick wrapped him in a long embrace. For a few seconds, the pressure of elite football gave way to something more human.
Albacete, though, refused to disappear quietly. This is a side that had already eliminated top-flight opponents in this Copa run and they showed why. Late in the match, they pulled one back from a set piece and suddenly the stadium believed. The final minutes were frantic. Barcelona defended desperately and at one point were saved by a heroic goal-line clearance that prevented extra time. It was a reminder of how unforgiving the Copa del Rey can be, especially away from home.
For Barcelona, this victory keeps a remarkable season alive on multiple fronts. They sit at the top of La Liga, are already qualified for the Champions League knockout rounds and now find themselves one step from another domestic final. But beyond trophies and standings, this match reinforced something important. This team is learning how to suffer together and how to protect one another when the pressure rises.
For Araújo, the night marked a personal milestone. He spoke afterward about gratitude, about the support from the club, the staff and his teammates and about slowly finding himself again on the pitch. His words and the reaction around him, underlined why football still carries emotional weight far beyond tactics and statistics.
Barcelona move on, Albacete leave with pride and the Copa del Rey delivers yet another reminder that these nights are never simple. Stay with us as the road to the final continues and as this season keeps revealing its most human stories.
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