, Feb. 4 -- Reigning Copa del Rey champions FC Barcelona on Tuesday became the first side to book a place in the semifinals, edging second-division Albacete 2-1 away from home.

Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona the lead in the 39th minute, bending a left footed effort into the far corner after Marcus Rashford won the ball in midfield.

Fielding a reshuffled starting lineup, Barcelona initially found it difficult to penetrate a well organized Albacete defense before making the breakthrough. Rashford sent a low cross across the goalmouth in the third minute and squandered a clear opportunity five minutes later after being played in by Dani Olmo.

Albacete posed threats of their own in the opening half. Agus Medina struck straight at goalkeeper J...