Albacete shock Real Madrid and eliminate them from Copa del Rey

Real Madrid suffered a huge embarrassment as they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by 2^nd division Albacete in Alvaro Arbeloa’s 1^st match as head coach of the club.

The ex-Liverpool and Los Blancos defender rested Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, and Jude Bellingham before the weekend’s match in the league vs. Levante.

However, the new manager shared that he had enough quality players that could have won this match and the only person that should be blamed for the defeat is him: “If anyone has responsibility for the elimination from Copa del Rey, it’s only me. I’m the one that pick the squad and our style on the pitch and who to enter the pitch from the bench,” admitted Arbeloa.

“I want to thank the footballers for the way they welcomed me as head coach and for trying their best today.”

Albacete scored the 1^st goal in the game in the 42^nd minute, but the result was 1-1 at halftime as Franco Mastantuono scored in the added time.

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🚨❌ Second division side Albacete beat and eliminate Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey!

Álvaro Arbeloa loses his first game as Real Madrid manager. pic.twitter.com/ibQMvNn2QF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2026

But substitute Jefte Betancor netted twice for the 2^nd division club as his 2^nd goal was in the 8^th minute of the extra time to secure Albacete’s 1^st win against Real Madrid.