Álvaro Arbeloa’s debut as the new coach of Real Madrid ended in disappointment, as his team suffered a 3-2 defeat to second-division side Albacete in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Jefté Betancor netted the decisive goal just four minutes into stoppage time, securing Albacete’s place in the quarterfinals. For Madrid, Gonzalo García managed to score during added time to level the match at 2-2.
This marked the third occasion on which Albacete took the lead in the match, and Betancor’s second goal ultimately proved too much for Madrid to overcome.
From the outset, Madrid struggled under Arbeloa’s tenure. The former B-team coach, appointed Monday to replace Xabi Alonso after an eight-month turbulent period, faced immediate challenges.
Notably, key players including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Rodrygo were rested. Vinícius Júnior played but struggled to make an impact, and the team had difficulty generating scoring chances.
The hosts initially took the lead with Javier Villar’s header from a corner kick in the 42nd minute. However, Franco Mastantuono quickly equalized for Madrid in first-half stoppage time. In the 82nd minute, Betancor put Albacete back on top with a shot from inside the box after the Madrid defense failed to clear a cross.
This victory marked a historic moment for Albacete, currently sitting 17th in the second-division standings, as it was their first-ever win against Real Madrid.
Like Alonso, Arbeloa, 42, enjoyed a successful playing career at Madrid, contributing to the club’s achievements over 20 years while also overseeing various youth teams.
During his playing stint from 2009 to 2016, Arbeloa helped Madrid secure eight titles, including two European Cups and one La Liga title, and was also instrumental in Spain’s triumph at the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
This report incorporates information from PA and The Associated Press.