MADRID: Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign ended in stunning fashion on Wednesday as they suffered a 3-2 last-16 defeat to second-tier Albacete, spoiling Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as head coach.
Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa saw his side undone by Jefte Betancor’s stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte, as Madrid fell to a club currently 17th in Spain’s second division.
Fielding a rotated line-up without Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Madrid struggled to impose themselves in foggy conditions.
Albacete struck first when Javi Villar headed in from a corner after 42 minutes, before Franco Mastantuono equalised from close range just before the break.
The hosts grew in confidence after half-time and regained the lead in the 82nd minute when Jefte finished smartly past Andriy Lunin.
Madrid appeared to have salvaged extra time when Gonzalo Garcia headed home in the 91st minute, but Jefte had the final say moments later with a superb lofted finish to seal a famous victory — Albacete’s first ever against Real Madrid.
Arbeloa accepted full responsibility for the defeat, calling it “painful” and admitting that “at this club, even a draw feels like a tragedy.”
He defended his selection choices, which included reserve players Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez, insisting he had named “a team capable of winning.”
Madrid captain Dani Carvajal apologised to supporters, admitting the team was “not at our best moment” and vowing a strong response in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere, Real Betis edged Elche 2-1 and Alaves beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals, while holders Barcelona visit Racing Santander on Thursday. – AFP
