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Real Madrid begin the Arbeloa era with a humiliating defeat and exit from the Copa del Rey

Albacete, who sit 17th in Spain’s second division, made one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Copa del Rey after knocking Real Madrid out in the round of 16 with a stunning 3–2 victory, in a match that marked Álvaro Arbeloa’s first appearance at the helm of the Madrid side.

The defeat came on an extraordinary night played under heavy fog that blanketed the stadium, in front of a crowd estimated at around 17,000 spectators, who created an intense and hostile atmosphere that unsettled the visitors and inspired the hosts to deliver one of their finest performances.

Real Madrid entered the match with a lineup largely composed of substitutes, a decision that reflected Arbeloa’s intention to rest several key players, particularly in the absence of high-profile names such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, in addition to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The new coach also handed opportunities to several reserve-team players, most notably David Jiménez and Jorge Sistero, while deploying Vinícius Júnior as a central striker.

Before kickoff, regrettable incidents took place outside the stadium, as racist chants were directed at Vinícius. This was later reflected inside the ground, where the Brazilian was subjected to continuous booing and struggled to break free from the tight marking imposed by Albacete’s players.

The hosts took the initiative in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on their sustained pressure with the opening goal. A precisely delivered corner from José Lazo was met by a powerful near-post header from defender Javier Villar, leaving Andriy Lunin with no chance and sending the stands into rapturous celebration.

However, Real Madrid managed to respond quickly before the end of the first half. After winning a corner kick through Vinícius, Arda Güler sent a direct delivery toward goal. Albacete goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain initially saved the effort, but Franco Mastantuono reacted first to slot the rebound into the net, restoring parity.

In the second half, Real Madrid dominated possession but ran into a well-organized and disciplined home defense, with Albacete relying on deep positioning and rapid counter-attacks. Despite a few attempts — most notably a missed chance by Gonzalo García — Albacete regained the lead in the 82nd minute through substitute Jefte Betancor, who capitalized on defensive confusion following a corner kick.

In stoppage time, it appeared that Real Madrid had rescued themselves when García headed home a fine equalizer. Yet the visitors’ push for a winning goal left space at the back, and Betancor punished them once more with a dramatic late strike, unleashing a superb shot into the top corner.

After the match, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal admitted the bitterness of the elimination, stressing that the team bears full responsibility for the result — a night that will remain etched in Copa del Rey history as a thunderous upset.

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