Real Madrid out of Copa del Rey as Arbeloa era starts with nightmare

Nightmare debut for Arbeloa

Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match as Real Madrid head coach could hardly have gone worse. Los Blancos were dumped out of the Copa del Rey after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to second-division side Albacete in the round of 16.

The decisive blow came deep into stoppage time, when Jefté Betancor struck to send the hosts into the quarterfinals and condemn Madrid to a humiliating exit.

Late drama, but no escape

Madrid thought they had rescued themselves when Gonzalo García scored in added time to make it 2-2. But celebrations were short-lived. Just four minutes later, Betancor struck again — his second goal of the night — and this time there was no way back.

It was the third time Albacete had taken the lead, and unlike before, Madrid had no response left.

Rotated Madrid struggle badly

Arbeloa, appointed just two days earlier after Xabi Alonso’s sacking, heavily rotated his squad. Stars including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo were all rested.

Vinícius Júnior started but struggled to make an impact as Madrid looked disjointed and short of ideas throughout. The visitors laboured in possession and created very little against a disciplined and motivated home side.

History made by Albacete

Albacete struck first through Javier Villar, who headed home from a corner in the 42nd minute. Franco Mastantuono equalised for Madrid early in first-half stoppage time, but the hosts refused to be denied.

Betancor restored Albacete’s lead in the 82nd minute after Madrid failed to properly clear a cross, before his dramatic late winner sealed a famous night. It was the first time in their history that Albacete have ever beaten Real Madrid.

Tough start for club legend

Arbeloa, a former Madrid player and long-time youth coach, now faces immediate pressure. The 42-year-old won eight major trophies as a player with the club and has spent two decades at Madrid in various roles.

But his reign begins with an early cup exit — and a reminder that managing Real Madrid is a very different challenge.