Albacete, Spain, 04 February (H.S.): Reigning champions FC Barcelona quelled Albacete's Cinderella run in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Tuesday, prevailing 2-1 to become the first semifinalists, despite a frenzied late rally from the Segunda División underdogs.

Lamine Yamal ignited proceedings in the 39th minute, rifling a left-footed stunner after Marcus Rashford intercepted and Frankie de Jong teed up the teenage sensation, who showcased exquisite finishing.

Captain Ronald Araujo doubled the lead post-halftime with a towering header from a corner—his first start since a December mental health hiatus—propelling Barça's title defense forward.

Albacete, languishing 12th in Spain's second tier after stunning Celta Vigo and Real Madrid, mounted a ferocious comeback; Javier Moreno clawed one back with a diving header from a free-kick in the 87th minute, and a stoppage-time effort was cleared off the line, electrifying the tie.

Rashford and Dani Olmo spurned earlier chances, while Feran Torres saw a late strike ruled offside.Wednesday's quarters pit Deportivo Alavés against Real Sociedad and Valencia versus Athletic Bilbao, with Atlético Madrid hosting Real Betis on Thursday. Barça clinched last year's trophy via a 3-2 extra-time epic over Madrid in Seville.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar