Ronald Araujo's goal proved to be the difference as Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Albacete.

The second-tier side knocked out Real Madrid with a last-gasp win in the previous round, but they fell just short of a second giant-killing against the holders.

Barca upped the pressure as the first half went on and got their reward in the 39th minute as Frenkie de Jong picked out Lamine Yamal, who shaped a volley into the left side of the net.

And the visitors flew out of the traps after the break, with Marcus Rashford squaring into the box after a driving run down the left, but Dani Olmo's first-time finish was cleared off the line by Daniel Bernabeu.

Barcelona got their insurance goal in the 56th minute as Araujo got in front of his marker to glance Rashford's corner past Raul Lizoain, who was crowded out in the six-yard box.

Jefte Betancor – Albacete's hero against Madrid – wasted two glorious opportunities to pull one back before finally putting the ball in the net after meeting Antonio Puertas' low cross, only for the offside to go up against his team-mate.

It was Javi Moreno that gave the hosts some hope in the 87th minute, meeting Jose Carlos Lazo's bending free-kick with a stunning diving header.

Ferran Torres then saw a strike disallowed at the other end moments later to set up a nervy ending, and Albacete came within inches of forcing the game beyond 90 minutes, but Fran Gamez saw his effort headed off the line by Gerard Martin.

Data Debrief: Barca escape major upset

Barcelona have qualified for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for the 63rd time, more than any other team in the competition's history.

It looked like they were cruising into the final four before a nervy last 15 minutes or so, having had 17 shots worth 2.27 expected goals (xG) compared to the hosts' 0.67 xG from seven attempts.

Yamal has been involved in 33 goals in his last 37 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 15 assists.

While Albacete did not reach their second semi-final in the competition, they certainly gave the reigning champions a run for their money at the end and ensured Barcelona conceded on the road in the Copa del Rey for the first time in six games.