Real Madrid Eliminated from Copa del Rey by Albacete in Arbeloa's First Game

Real Madrid experienced a stunning 3-2 loss in the Copa del Rey's last 16 on Wednesday, as Alvaro Arbeloa's first match in charge ended in disappointment against a team from a lower division.

Arbeloa, appointed on Monday to take over from Xabi Alonso, was defeated due to a last-minute goal by Jefte Betancor at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.

Missing the services of French star Kylian Mbappe and several other key players, Arbeloa’s squad found it difficult against an Albacete team that is currently positioned 17th in Spain’s second tier.

The game began with Albacete taking an early lead, courtesy of a strike from Javi Villar, but Franco Mastantuono managed to equalize just before the halftime whistle.

In the dying moments of the match, Jefte gave Albacete the lead again after 82 minutes, then scored the deciding goal after Gonzalo Garcia's equalizer in the 91st minute appeared to have sent the game into extra time for the 15-time European champions.

"In this club, even a draw is regarded as a bad result – it's a tragedy. Imagine losing like this, it’s really painful," Arbeloa told the press.

He continued, "I am confident that our fans share the same sentiment, especially against a lower division opponent, although we are fully aware that any team can be challenging."

"If anyone should bear responsibility for this result, it is undoubtedly me, as I am the one who made the decisions on the lineup, our strategy, and substitutions. I just want to express my gratitude to the players for their warm welcome and their efforts today."

Following Madrid's defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona on Sunday, President Florentino Perez decided to replace Alonso with Arbeloa, who had previously coached the reserve team.

Arbeloa selected two reserve players, Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez, alongside a host of regulars who were put on the sidelines to spare them for the upcoming La Liga fixtures against Levante. These included Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham, in addition to the absent Mbappe.

"I would choose the same strategy again, as I fielded a team that was capable of winning," added Arbeloa.

The first half of the match was overshadowed by not just the somber atmosphere but also by thick fog that enveloped the field shortly after kickoff.

Vinicius Junior saw his long-range shot go high and wide, with neither team generating significant chances until around the end of the first half when Albacete shocked everyone with their opening goal.

Villar cleverly evaded Mastantuono during a corner and headed Albacete into the lead just before halftime.

Arbeloa’s team managed to equalize shortly before the break, also from a corner, as Mastantuono netted from close proximity.

After the interval, Albacete made life difficult for Madrid and later surged back into the lead. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin deflected an effort from Riki but shortly thereafter, Jefte regained the advantage for the hosts.

Gonzalo Garcia’s clearance fell fortuitously to the striker in the penalty area, allowing him to strike downwards, with the ball bouncing up and neatly evading Lunin.

In stoppage time, Madrid's promising forward redeemed himself with a well- placed header to level the match. However, Jefte ultimately delivered a breathtaking lob past Lunin to secure a memorable late victory for Albacete, marking their inaugural win over Real Madrid.

"I'm not daunted by failure; while it might be tempting to label this loss as such, I perceive failure as part of the journey toward success," Arbeloa commented.

Captain Dani Carvajal, who came on as a substitute but was unable to prevent Jefte’s winning goal, assured that the team would strive to overcome the club's current challenges.

"We are not performing at our best right now and need to exert ourselves more. This is our reality," Carvajal remarked to the media.

"We owe an apology to our supporters. We have not measured up to the standards of this club, especially me, and we are committed to giving our all in the upcoming matches to change this situation."

In other matches, Real Betis secured a 2-1 victory over Elche, while Alaves triumphed over Rayo Vallecano with a 2-0 result to advance to the quarter- finals. Defending champions Barcelona are slated to face second-division leaders Racing Santander on Thursday.