Real Madrid suffer a shock 3–2 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey as Álvaro Arbeloa’s coaching debut ends in a humiliating last-16 exit
Real Madrid were dumped out of the Copa del Rey at the last-16 stage on Wednesday night after suffering a shock 3–2 defeat to second-tier Albacete, as Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge ended in a bruising and unexpected elimination.
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The former Madrid defender, appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, watched his side concede a stoppage-time winner from Jefte Betancor at the Carlos Belmonte stadium, sealing a famous victory for a team currently 17th in Spain’s Segunda División.
Madrid travelled without several senior players, including Kylian Mbappé, and fielded a youthful side that struggled to impose itself against spirited opposition.
Albacete struck first after 42 minutes when Javi Villar escaped his marker at a corner and headed past Andriy Lunin. Madrid equalised just before half-time through Franco Mastantuono, who turned in from close range, also from a set-piece.
After the break, the hosts defended with discipline before seizing control late in the game. Jefte restored Albacete’s lead in the 82nd minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box, firing low past Lunin.
Gonzalo García appeared to have rescued Madrid when he headed home in the 91st minute to force what looked like extra time, but the drama was not over.
Deep into stoppage time, Jefte produced a sensational finish, lifting the ball over Lunin to complete his brace and send the home crowd into raptures.
The match was played in difficult conditions, with heavy fog settling over the stadium early in the first half and adding to Madrid’s gloomy evening.
Arbeloa, who had been coaching Madrid’s reserve side until his promotion earlier this week, handed debuts to young players Jorge Cestero and David Jiménez.
However, the gamble failed to pay off as Madrid followed Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona with another painful setback.
For Albacete, the victory ranks among the most significant in the club’s recent history.
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For Madrid, it marks an abrupt and sobering start to a new era under Arbeloa, and a humbling Copa exit that will raise immediate questions about the team’s direction and depth.
