Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey journey ended abruptly on Wednesday night as Segunda División side Albacete eliminated the holders in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match at the helm.
The former defender opted to rotate heavily ahead of an upcoming league fixture with Levante, leaving Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, and Jude Bellingham out of the starting XI. Academy prospects Jorge Cestero and David Jiménez were handed rare opportunities.
Despite the upset, Arbeloa stood firmly by his approach, insisting the selection he chose was strong enough to progress.
Arbeloa accepts blame after bold selection
Speaking after the final whistle, the new head coach placed responsibility squarely on his own shoulders, stressing that every tactical call was his alone.
He acknowledged that the defeat would inevitably be labelled a failure by many observers but framed the setback as part of a longer learning process rather than a defining moment.
Arbeloa underlined his resilience by pointing out he had endured far tougher losses during his career, adding that the focus would immediately shift to preparation for the next challenge with renewed commitment.
Game swings late despite madrid control
Albacete struck first shortly before the interval, with Javi Villar meeting José Lazo’s corner to beat Andriy Lunin with a well-timed header.
The visitors responded swiftly, as 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono capitalised on an error from goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain to level the contest in stoppage time.
A tight second half followed, prompting Arbeloa to introduce experienced figures such as David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Carvajal in search of a decisive goal, but the breakthrough never arrived for the 15-time European champions.
Historic night fuels growing doubts
Instead, it was the hosts who found late inspiration, as substitute Jefte Betancor netted twice in the closing minutes, on either side of Gonzalo García’s strike, to secure Albacete’s first-ever win over Real Madrid and a place in the quarter-finals.
The result came just days after Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona and shortly after Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso, who left by mutual agreement earlier in the week.
With Albacete positioned 17th in the second tier, the shock outcome has intensified scepticism among supporters already uncertain about Arbeloa’s appointment, turning what was meant to be a fresh start into a deeply troubling opening chapter.
