Real Madrid’s turbulent period continued on Wednesday night as they suffered a shock 3–2 defeat to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16, with Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge ending dramatically.
Appointed only on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso following defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, Arbeloa watched his side concede a stoppage-time winner from Jefte Betancor at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, crashing out of the competition against opposition struggling near the bottom of the Segunda División.
With several key players unavailable, including Kylian Mbappé, Madrid looked short on cohesion and intensity throughout the contest. Arbeloa also handed opportunities to two players from the reserve side he previously coached, starting holding midfielder Jorge Cestero and right back David Jiménez.
The opening half was played under an eerie atmosphere, with thick fog descending early on to match the gloomy mood surrounding the visitors. Clear chances were scarce, with Vinícius Júnior firing high and wide from distance in one of the few notable efforts.
Albacete stunned Madrid shortly before the break when Javi Villar escaped his marker at a corner and headed the hosts into a deserved lead after 42 minutes. Madrid responded swiftly, also from a set piece, as teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono turned home from close range to level the match just before halftime.
The second half saw Albacete grow in confidence, frustrating Madrid’s attempts to impose themselves while remaining dangerous on the counter. Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Jefte restored the lead, finishing decisively after Andriy Lunin had parried an earlier effort.
Madrid thought they had rescued the tie deep into stoppage time when Gonzalo García rose to head home the equaliser, seemingly forcing extra time for the 15-time European champions. However, there was one final twist.
Moments later, Jefte struck again, producing a stunning finish over Lunin to seal a famous victory and spark wild celebrations among the home crowd.
THE SCENES IN ALBACETE AFTER THEY BEAT REAL MADRID FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 14, 2026
REAL MADRID ARE OUT OF THE COPA DEL REY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/8WwIE67qD1
The result piles further pressure on Real Madrid during a difficult period marked by managerial change and inconsistent performances, while Albacete claim one of the biggest victories in their recent history, knocking out one of world football’s most decorated clubs.
