Albacete manager eyes upset win over Barcelona in Copa del Rey: ‘Have to believe we can do it’

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against FC Barcelona, Albacete manager Alberto Gonzalez expressed belief that his team can pull off an upset victory.

The lower-league outfit have already dumped out two La Liga clubs from the competition this season, first eliminating Celta Vigo in the Round of 32 via penalty shootout.

But the biggest upset came last month when the minnows defeated last season’s finalists and Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, 3-2 to secure their spot in the quarter-final.

Alberto Gonzalez confident

And, Alberto Gonzalez believes his Albacete side can repeat their recent feat against Barcelona after knocking out Real Madrid in the previous round.

“The team is arriving at the perfect moment, with sky-high confidence, good momentum, and fully prepared to compete in this match, giving our absolute best,” he said.

Albacete beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey Ro16. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Our enthusiasm remains undiminished, we believe in our chances, and we’re going to do everything in our power to win the game,” he insisted.

Alberto Gonzalez made a direct appeal to the Albacete fans, who will be cheering their team on tomorrow in the cup tie.

“This is your celebration; we have to enjoy it together. We have to believe we can do it; it’s historic, and to surpass it is even more so. I don’t think a team has ever beaten both Real Madrid and Barça in the same Cup. This is the day,” he stated.

The Albacete coach also made it clear that his plans would not focus solely on stopping Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who has been in fine form since the turn of the year.

Alberto Gonzalez also confirmed that he will be unable to count on the services of Pepe for the cup tie, while also highlighting the team’s form and momentum – after all Albacete have won each of their last four games and kept three back-to-back clean sheets.

Source: Mundo Deportivo