Hansi Flick says he is "very proud" of Barcelona after they edged into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Albacete.

The second-tier side had knocked out Barca's Clasico rivals Real Madrid in the previous round and set up a nervy finish.

Barca ultimately triumphed 2-1 thanks to Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo, but Albacete had a late goal disallowed before Javi Moreno pulled one back. They also had a stoppage-time effort cleared off the line.

However, Barcelona had done enough to clinch their place in a 63rd Copa del Rey semi-final, more than any other club in the competition's history.

It is the second consecutive season Barcelona will play in the final four, after winning the title last year. This is the first time they have reached the penultimate round of the tournament in back-to-back seasons since a run of nine between 2011 and 2019.

"This is the message. It was a tough match," Flick told RTVE.

"We had many chances, many clear ones in the first half. We play every three days. I'm very proud.

"We fought until the end, and it's good to see this attitude from the players. In this type of match, you simply have to win, and we did. We're in the semi-finals, so we're happy."

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

Marcus Rashford supplied the assist for Araujo's winner. He is now the third LaLiga player to reach double figures for both goals (10) and assists (10) this season in all competitions, behind Yamal (14 and 12) and Fermin Lopez (10 and 11).

And Araujo, who made his first start since late November in the Champions League defeat to Chelsea, was thrilled to play his part in Barcelona’s victory.

"Very happy to be in the semifinals," Araujo said. "We took it very seriously; we knew it wouldn't be easy.

"Cup matches aren't decided until the very end. They found a goal, and it's normal for them to come at you in the final minutes. The team knew how to handle it well. We're in the semifinals, and that's what's important.

"Very happy, I thank God. Glad because we're working well, and so is the club. I want to thank my team-mates and the coach. Very happy because I feel better every day."