Marcus Rashford returned to the starting line-up and delivered an assist for Ronald Araujo's goal as Barcelona beat Albacete 2-1 in the Copa del Rey
ALBACETE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 03: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona reacts during the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final match between Albacete Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Carlos Belmonte on February 03, 2026 in Albacete, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
(Image: Angel Martinez, Getty Images)
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Tuesday night was a tense one for Barcelona and Marcus Rashford but they managed to secure the result they were after in the Copa del Rey. Second-division side Albacete, who had previously shocked Real Madrid, put up a strong fight in their quarter-final clash but couldn't stop Barca clinching a 2-1 victory.
Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo either side of half-time gave Barcelona the upper hand, while Javi Moreno's late strike for the hosts wasn't enough to turn the tide. Hansi Flick's team remain on track to win the competition for the second year running, following their extra-time triumph over Real Madrid in last season's final.
Rashford set up the second goal on the night and Barcelona will have the option to make his move permanent for £26million when his loan spell from Manchester United ends this summer. Despite changes at his parent club, with former on-field colleague Michael Carrick now serving as interim manager, Rashford has shown no desire to return.
Rashford, making his first start in six matches, didn't add to the 10 goals he has scored this season, though he still caught the eye with his performance. Here's what the Spanish press had to say about his display on Tuesday night.
Sport
Spanish publication Sport awarded both scorers, Yamal and Araujo, eight out of 10 in their player ratings. However, Rashford was among several players who received a six - while some scored even lower.
"He alternated between some good plays, very characteristic of English football, especially his dribbling, and others that were surprising for a player of his calibre, such as a wayward shot early in the game," their write-up read. "Where he truly excels, however, is with set pieces. He delivered a pinpoint cross to Araujo's head. Another assist in his tally."
Mundo Deportivo
Mundo Deportivo offered one-word player summaries, accompanied by more detailed assessments of their performances. For Rashford, that single word was 'Grown', with a reference to manager Flick's advice earlier in the week.
Ronald Araujo celebrates scoring against Albacete
Ronald Araujo scored Barcelona's second goal after a Rashford corner(Image: Getty Images)
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"Flick asked him for more the day before: message received," they wrote. "Even considering his mistakes, which he did have, his best quality was his constant desire to make a difference.
"He missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but in return, he was involved in the play that led to the 1-0 goal, delivered the cross that made it 2-0, and, after a run into the box, set up Olmo for a goal, although it didn't end up being a goal."
Marca
Marca's match report highlighted Rashford's contribution to Yamal's goal. The loanee may have assisted Araujo's second but he also played a crucial role in the opener, demonstrating how good a fit he is for Barcelona's clinical football.
"Lorenzo Aguado lost possession under pressure from De Jong, who passed to Rashford," the report read. "Rashford returned the ball to the Dutchman, who then played it out to Lamine.
"The number 10 didn't miss, firing his trademark high, angled shot across goal and into the far corner. You can't afford to make mistakes against a team like Barca."
AS
Finally, AS also highlighted Flick's pre-match guidance to Rashford. However, their assessment of the England international was far less complimentary.
"[Marc] Bernal... more than fulfilled expectations, while Rashford failed to take the step forward his coach had demanded beforehand," they reported. "He missed a one-on-one chance against Lizoain in a glaring fashion after just seven minutes."
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