Post by : Meena Ariff

Real Madrid suffered a humiliating exit from the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night after losing 3-2 to second-division side Albacete in the last 16. The defeat marked a painful start for new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, whose first match in charge ended in disappointment and criticism.

Arbeloa was appointed only two days earlier after replacing Xabi Alonso, following Real Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Expectations of a quick recovery were dashed as Albacete secured a historic victory with a dramatic stoppage-time goal at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.

Despite being one of Europe’s most successful clubs, Real Madrid struggled throughout the match against opponents who are currently placed 17th in Spain’s second division. Missing several key players, Madrid failed to impose their authority and looked uncomfortable for long periods.

The match was played in difficult conditions, with thick fog rolling into the stadium shortly after kickoff. The gloomy setting matched Madrid’s uneasy performance, as both teams found it hard to create clear chances early on. Vinicius Junior attempted a long-range shot that flew high and wide, while the rest of the first half passed with little attacking quality from the visitors.

Albacete stunned Madrid in the 42nd minute when Javi Villar broke free from his marker at a corner and headed past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The goal lifted the home crowd and exposed Madrid’s defensive weaknesses. Just before halftime, Madrid responded from a set piece of their own, as young midfielder Franco Mastantuono reacted quickly inside the box to score from close range and level the match.

After the break, Albacete showed greater confidence and energy, pressing Madrid and disrupting their rhythm. The underdogs were rewarded in the 82nd minute when Jefte Betancor restored their lead. A clearance from Gonzalo Garcia fell to Jefte inside the penalty area, and his shot bounced awkwardly off the turf before beating Lunin.

Madrid appeared to have rescued the game in stoppage time when Gonzalo Garcia redeemed himself with a well-placed header in the 91st minute, seemingly forcing extra time. However, Albacete had one final moment of brilliance left. Deep into stoppage time, Jefte produced a superb lofted finish over Lunin to seal a 3-2 victory, sparking emotional celebrations and giving Albacete their first-ever win over Real Madrid.

After the match, Arbeloa accepted full responsibility for the defeat. He admitted that any loss is unacceptable at Real Madrid, especially against lower-division opposition, and said the pain was shared by everyone connected to the club. He defended his team selection, which included resting stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Thibaut Courtois ahead of the upcoming league match against Levante, and giving opportunities to reserve players Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez.

“I would make the same decisions again,” Arbeloa said, insisting that the team he selected was capable of winning. He thanked the players for their effort and support on his first day in charge.

Team captain Dani Carvajal, who came on as a substitute, apologised to the fans and admitted the squad is going through a difficult period. He said the players must work harder and show greater commitment to restore confidence and results in the coming matches.

In other Copa del Rey matches, Real Betis defeated Elche 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals, while Alaves beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0. Defending champions Barcelona are scheduled to face second-division leaders Racing Santander in their last-16 match on Thursday.

For Real Madrid, the focus now shifts back to La Liga, where Arbeloa faces immediate pressure to stabilise the team and respond after a damaging and embarrassing cup exit.

#Global News