Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign came to a stunning and humiliating end after a 3–2 defeat to Segunda División side Albacete, marking a disastrous start to Álvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as head coach.
In what was his first match since replacing Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender oversaw one of the club’s most surprising cup exits in recent memory, as Albacete claimed their first-ever victory over the 15-time Champions League winners.
Arbeloa Defends Heavy Rotation Despite Cup Exit
Ahead of Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Levante, Arbeloa opted to rotate heavily, resting several key stars including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Instead, the new coach handed opportunities to academy players Jorge Cestero and David Jiménez, a decision that drew immediate scrutiny after the defeat. However, Arbeloa firmly defended his approach, insisting the selected side was strong enough to progress.
“If anyone is responsible and to blame for this outcome, it’s clearly me,” Arbeloa said.
“I’m not afraid of failure. Failure is part of the road to success. It will make me better, and it will make us all better.”
The Spaniard stressed that the defeat would not define his tenure and promised a swift response in upcoming matches.
How the Match Unfolded: From Control to Collapse
Despite fielding a rotated lineup, Real Madrid dominated early proceedings, enjoying nearly 80% possession and registering five shots in the opening 42 minutes.
However, control did not translate into goals. Instead, Albacete struck first when Javi Villar rose above the Madrid defence to head home José Lazo’s corner in the 42nd minute, sending the home crowd into disbelief.
Madrid responded quickly, equalising in first-half stoppage time through 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, who capitalised on a costly error from goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain to make it 1–1 at the break.
Late Drama as Albacete Seal Historic Victory
The second half remained finely balanced, with neither side able to impose full control. Sensing the need for experience, Arbeloa introduced senior players David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal in search of a decisive goal.
But it was Albacete coach Alberto González whose substitutions proved decisive. Jefte Betancor, introduced from the bench, delivered a stunning late brace—scoring either side of Gonzalo García’s equaliser—to clinch a famous 3–2 victory in the final eight minutes.
The result sent Albacete into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals and plunged Real Madrid deeper into crisis.
Pressure Mounts After Arbeloa’s Sudden Appointment
Arbeloa was appointed head coach earlier this week following Xabi Alonso’s departure by mutual consent, a decision that had already raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits.
The timing of the appointment—coming just days after a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona—meant expectations were already tense. This shock elimination has only intensified doubts surrounding Arbeloa’s readiness for one of football’s most demanding jobs.
Spanish football reporter Elizabeth Conway described the defeat as catastrophic:
“This is an absolute nightmare for Real Madrid. Losing to a team sitting 17th in the second division is staggering.
Whatever patience Arbeloa hoped for has eroded instantly.”
Fan Concerns Grow as Madrid’s Slump Continues
For a club defined by trophies, dominance and elite standards, this defeat is more than an embarrassment—it is a warning sign.
Supporters have voiced concerns about Arbeloa’s lack of senior managerial experience, questioning whether loyalty and club identity outweighed strategic planning in his appointment. The Copa del Rey exit, rather than offering a fresh start, has amplified those fears.
Real Madrid now face mounting pressure to stabilise their season quickly, with domestic and European ambitions hanging in the balance.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Madrid must now refocus on:
- Recovering form in La Liga
- Repairing confidence after consecutive high-profile defeats
- Giving Arbeloa time—or results—to justify his appointment
Arbeloa, for his part, remains defiant:
“I’ve endured defeats harder than this one. We’ll prepare for the next match with maximum dedication.”
Whether that resolve is enough to calm the storm around the Bernabéu remains to be seen.
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