Copa del Rey Shock: Albacete Stuns Real Madrid 3-2 to Ruin Arbeloa’s Debut
ALBACETE, Spain — The magic of the cup is alive and well, but for Real Madrid, it has turned into a full-blown nightmare. In one of the most stunning upsets in recent Spanish soccer history, second-division side Albacete Balompié knocked the defending heavyweights out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium.
The loss marks a disastrous start for new interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who took the reins earlier this week following the high-profile dismissal of Xabi Alonso. What was supposed to be a "get-right" game for Los Blancos turned into a historic humiliation.
A David vs. Goliath Showdown
Real Madrid arrived in Albacete in turmoil, hoping to stabilize a rocky season that has seen them slip in the La Liga standings. Arbeloa, looking to make a statement in his first match in charge, fielded a mixed lineup featuring superstars like Vinícius Júnior alongside eager academy prospects.
However, the "Clockwork Cheese"—as Albacete is affectionately known—had other plans. From the opening whistle, the hosts played with an intensity that unsettled their aristocratic guests.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute. Capitalizing on Madrid’s shaky set-piece defense, Javi Villar rose highest to head home a corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Madrid managed to stop the bleeding just before halftime, with teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono stabbing home a loose ball to level the score at 1-1 going into the break.
Jefte Betancor: The Hero of the Night
The second half saw Madrid dominate possession but struggle to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Albacete low block. As the clock ticked down, the unthinkable began to feel inevitable.
In the 82nd minute, disaster struck for the visitors. Jefte Betancor, who would end the night as a club legend, pounced on a defensive error to fire Albacete back in front, 2-1.
Real Madrid, showing the resilience that is usually their trademark, thought they had saved themselves in stoppage time. Gonzalo García connected with a header in the 91st minute to make it 2-2, seemingly forcing the game into extra time. The Madrid bench breathed a sigh of relief, believing their superior fitness would win out in the added thirty minutes.
But Albacete wasn't finished.
In the dying seconds of the match (90+5’), with Madrid pushing forward for a winner, Albacete launched a lethal counter-attack. Jefte broke free, kept his composure, and slotted a brilliant finish past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
The stadium erupted. There was no time for a response. The whistle blew moments later, confirming the giant-killing.
Crisis Mode at the Bernabéu
For Real Madrid, the consequences of this defeat are severe. The Copa del Rey was seen as a viable path to silverware in a season where the league title is drifting away.
The spotlight now turns exclusively to Álvaro Arbeloa. Stepping into the shoes of Xabi Alonso was never going to be easy, but losing to a second-tier team in his debut is the worst possible start. Questions are already being asked about the squad's depth and motivation.
"We apologize to the fans," a dejected Dani Carvajal said post-game. "This badge demands better. We have to wake up."
A Night for History
For Albacete, this is a victory that will be replayed for decades. Eliminating the European champions is a rare feat for a Segunda División club, and doing it in such dramatic fashion makes it all the sweeter. They now advance to the Quarterfinals, daring to dream of a deep cup run.
Wednesday night proved once again why we watch the game: on any given day, Goliath can fall.