Albacete, Jan 15: Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign ended in shock on Wednesday as they were defeated 3-2 by second-division side Albacete Balompié at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium in Albacete, Spain, marking a disappointing debut for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
Albacete substitute Jefté Betancor struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 94th minute to seal a historic victory and send the hosts into the quarterfinals. Moments earlier, Gonzalo García had given Madrid hope with a late equaliser, but the visitors were unable to respond once again.
It was a chaotic night in which Albacete took the lead three times. Javi Villar opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a header from a corner before Franco Mastantuono equalised for Madrid just before halftime. Betancor restored Albacete’s advantage in the 82nd minute after a defensive lapse, only for García to level again in added time—setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Madrid struggled to impose themselves despite dominating possession. Arbeloa rested several senior players, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, while Vinícius Júnior started but was largely ineffective as Madrid lacked cutting edge in attack.
The defeat marked the first time in their history that Albacete have beaten Real Madrid, a remarkable achievement for a side currently placed 17th in the Segunda División.
Arbeloa was appointed earlier this week after Xabi Alonso was removed following Real Madrid’s defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The Copa del Rey elimination added immediate pressure on the 42-year-old, who had previously coached the club’s B team and youth sides.
A former Madrid defender, Arbeloa spent seven seasons at the club as a player between 2009 and 2016, winning two Champions League titles and a La Liga crown.
He was also part of Spain’s golden generation that lifted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
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Source:ESPN
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