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Arbeloa’s Madrid Debut Ends in Shock as Albacete Deliver Copa del Rey Stunner

Real Madrid saw their Copa del Rey journey come to an abrupt and humiliating end after suffering a stunning defeat to second-division outfit Albacete Balompié, in what proved to be a bruising first night in charge for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

Handed the reins following the departure of Xabi Alonso earlier in the week, Arbeloa opted for heavy rotation, resting several key figures including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois ahead of an upcoming La Liga fixture. Instead, academy prospects were trusted in a decision Arbeloa later defended with conviction, despite the outcome.

Madrid dominated possession throughout, exceeding 75 percent of the ball and registering sustained pressure in the opening half. Yet control failed to translate into authority. Albacete struck first shortly before the interval when defender Javi Villar powered home a header from a set-piece, punishing Madrid’s familiar vulnerability from dead-ball situations.

The response was swift, with 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono capitalising on a goalkeeping error to restore parity before the break. However, the second half unravelled into chaos. Despite the introduction of senior reinforcements including David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga, it was Albacete who found the decisive edge.

Substitute Jefte Betancor struck twice in the closing minutes, either side of a brief Madrid equaliser, sealing a historic first victory for the hosts over the 15-time European champions and sending shockwaves through Spanish football.

In the aftermath, Arbeloa assumed full responsibility, framing the defeat as a harsh but necessary lesson. Yet the implications are severe. Coming days after a Spanish Super Cup loss to FC Barcelona, the defeat deepens concerns over Madrid’s recent downturn and intensifies scrutiny on a managerial appointment that had already divided opinion.

For a club built on dominance, this elimination represents more than a setback — it is a warning shot at the very start of a new era.

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