Real Madrid's Copa del Rey Dream Ends in Dramatic Defeat Under New Coach
Real Madrid's new era under coach Álvaro Arbeloa began with a shocking and disappointing loss. The Spanish giants fell 3-2 to second-division club Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of sixteen on Wednesday. This early exit from the tournament marks a dismal start for Arbeloa, who only took charge on Monday.
Stoppage Time Drama Seals Madrid's Fate
The match delivered intense drama right until the final whistle. Albacete's Jefté Betancor scored the game-winning goal just four minutes into stoppage time. His strike sent the lower-tier team into the quarterfinals and crushed Madrid's hopes. Earlier, Gonzalo García had found the net in added time for Madrid to level the score at 2-2, setting up a tense finish.
Madrid struggled from the very beginning of Arbeloa's debut. The team faced difficulties creating clear scoring opportunities throughout the game. Arbeloa, the former coach of Real Madrid's B-team, replaced Xabi Alonso after a turbulent eight-month period. He decided to rest several top stars for this cup match. Key players like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Rodrygo did not feature in the lineup.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The hosts, Albacete, struck first in the 42nd minute. Javier Villar scored with a powerful header from a corner kick. Madrid responded quickly. Franco Mastantuono equalized just three minutes into first-half stoppage time with a close-range finish.
Betancor put Albacete back in front during the 82nd minute. He capitalized on a defensive error by Madrid. The defense failed to properly clear a cross into the box, allowing Betancor to fire a shot from inside the area. This goal set the stage for the late drama that followed.
Arbeloa's Deep Ties to Real Madrid
Álvaro Arbeloa, aged 42, shares a long history with Real Madrid. He played for the club for several years as a defender. During his playing career from 2009 to 2016, Arbeloa helped Madrid win eight major titles. These included two UEFA Champions League trophies and one La Liga championship.
Arbeloa also enjoyed success with the Spanish national team. He played a key role in Spain's victories at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. After retiring, he remained with Real Madrid, coaching various youth squads for about twenty years. This deep connection made his appointment as head coach a significant moment for the club.
Other Copa del Rey Results
In other round of sixteen matches involving first-division clubs, Rayo Vallecano suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Alaves. Real Betis managed a 2-1 home victory against Elche.
On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 win over second-division side Deportivo La Coruña. Barcelona is scheduled to visit Racing Santander, the current leader of the second tier, on Thursday. The Copa del Rey round of sixteen features single elimination games, adding pressure to every match.
This defeat leaves Real Madrid and their new coach with much to ponder as they turn their focus back to domestic and European competitions.
