Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday night, as Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match as head coach ended in a painful exit against second-tier opposition at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium.
Arbeloa was appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, stepping into the role during a tense period for the Spanish giants following their Spanish Super Cup final defeat to rivals Barcelona. But his debut quickly turned into frustration as Jefte Betancor struck a stoppage-time winner to knock Madrid out of the competition.
Arbeloa begins with defeat as Madrid struggle
Real Madrid arrived for the tie without French superstar Kylian Mbappé and several other key players, and the absences showed. Madrid looked short of sharpness and struggled to build consistent attacking patterns against an Albacete side currently sitting 17th in Spain’s second division.
The first half was played under an unusual atmosphere as thick fog rolled into the stadium a few minutes after kick-off. Vinícius Júnior blazed high and wide from long range as both teams found it difficult to create clear chances early on.
Albacete then stunned the visitors late in the first half. Javi Villar escaped his marker from a corner and powered a header home after 42 minutes to give the hosts a surprise lead.
Madrid responded immediately and equalised just before the break, also from a set-piece. Franco Mastantuono finished from close range to make it 1-1 at half-time.
Late drama seals famous Albacete win
After the interval, Albacete defended with discipline and forced Madrid into rushed decisions in the final third. The hosts then stepped up their attacking intent and regained the lead late on.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin pushed away an effort from Riki, but moments later Betancor capitalised and fired a finish down into the ground, with the ball bouncing up and flashing past Lunin to put Albacete in front after 82 minutes.
Real Madrid looked to have rescued the match in stoppage time when young forward Gonzalo García rose to guide a well-placed header into the net, making it 2-2 and appearing to force extra time.
But there was still one final twist. Betancor produced a sensational late finish over Lunin to complete his brace and secure a historic 3-2 victory for Albacete, sending the Carlos Belmonte into celebration and leaving Madrid stunned.
Arbeloa leans on youth as Madrid exit
In his first game in charge, Arbeloa handed opportunities to two reserve-team players he had worked with until Monday — holding midfielder Jorge Cestero and right-back David Jiménez — underlining the transitional phase Madrid are entering.
Now, Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey journey ends earlier than expected, and Arbeloa faces immediate pressure as he attempts to stabilise the squad and restore confidence for the rest of the season.
For Albacete, it was a night to remember — a famous win over one of world football’s most decorated clubs, sealed by Betancor’s unforgettable stoppage-time winner.