Real Madrid suffered a stunning Copa del Rey exit on Wednesday night, crashing out in the last 16 after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to second-tier Albacete at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium.
The loss marked a miserable start to life for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, whose first game in charge ended in heartbreak after Jefte Betancor struck deep into stoppage time to hand the hosts a famous victory.
Appointed just two days earlier following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, Arbeloa fielded a rotated side and paid the price as Madrid struggled against opponents sitting 17th in Spain’s Segunda División.
Albacete drew first blood when Javi Villar headed home from a corner in the 42nd minute, punishing Madrid’s defensive lapse. The visitors responded before the break, with teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono steering in an equaliser from close range.
After the restart, the hosts continued to frustrate the 15-time European champions and were rewarded in the 82nd minute when Jefte capitalised on a loose ball inside the area to restore Albacete’s lead.
Madrid appeared to have rescued the tie when Gonzalo García nodded in a stoppage-time equaliser, raising hopes of extra time.
However, those hopes were dashed moments later as Jefte produced a sublime chipped finish over Andriy Lunin to complete his brace and seal Albacete’s first-ever win over Real Madrid.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa took full responsibility for the defeat.
“At this club, even a draw feels unacceptable. A loss like this is painful,” he said. “If there is anyone to blame, it is me. I chose the lineup, the approach, and the substitutions.”
The former Madrid defender defended his decision to rest key players including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Levante, insisting he would make the same choices again.
Madrid’s captain Dani Carvajal apologised to supporters, admitting the team had fallen well below the club’s standards.
“We are not in a good moment. We have to work harder and give much more,” he said. “We ask the fans for forgiveness and promise to fight to turn things around.”
The match was played under difficult conditions, with thick fog descending early and further adding to Madrid’s troubled night.
In other Copa del Rey action, Real Betis edged Elche 2-1, while Alavés beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals. Defending champions Barcelona face Segunda División leaders Racing Santander on Thursday.
