"Barcelona advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals after a tight 2-1 win over Albacete, but not every decision from Hansi Flick paid off on the night. One of the biggest talking points from the quarter-final was the performance of January signing Joao Cancelo, who was handed a starting role at right-back but failed to complete the match. Flick opted to rest Jules Kounde, opening the door for Cancelo to make an impact."
"Albacete wing-back Dani Bernabeu targeted his side, forcing Cancelo into several uncomfortable situations. Just 15 minutes into the match, the defender was booked after a poorly timed challenge as he tried to stop a counterattack. The early yellow card immediately put him under pressure for the remainder of the half. Matters nearly worsened a few minutes later, as Cancelo mistimed another challenge in midfield during a 50-50 duel, a moment that could easily have resulted in a second yellow card."
Barcelona reached the Copa del Rey semifinals with a 2-1 win over Albacete. Hansi Flick started January signing Joao Cancelo at right-back while resting Jules Kounde. Cancelo had only a few appearances so far, mainly on the left, and his integration remained gradual. In attack he provided support down the flank, particularly linking with Lamine Yamal, but defensively he was targeted by Albacete’s wing-back Dani Bernabeu. Cancelo received a yellow card after 15 minutes and nearly earned a second after a mistimed 50-50 duel. Flick substituted him at half-time, bringing on Pau Cubarsi and shifting Eric Garcia to stabilize the defense.
Read at Barca Universal
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