Arbeloa's Debut 'Tragedy': Real Madrid Knocked Out Of Copa Del Rey By Second-Tier Albacete's Last-Gasp Winner

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 08:01 IST

Alvaro Arbeloa’s first match as manager ended in shock defeat as Albacete stunned Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey, with Jefte Betancor scoring twice.

Arbeloa's tenure started off on the worst note possible, with Los Blancos sinking to a last-minute winner (AP)

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign came to a stunning halt on Wednesday night, as club legend Alvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge ended in humiliation.

The 15-time European champions were knocked out 3–2 by Segunda División strugglers Albacete, with Jefte Betancor scoring twice — including a dramatic stoppage-time winner — at the fog-shrouded Carlos Belmonte stadium.

From Appointment to Elimination in 48 Hours

Handed the job on Monday after Florentino Pérez sacked Xabi Alonso following the Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona, Arbeloa was thrown straight into the fire.

Without Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and several senior stars — all rested ahead of La Liga action — Madrid laboured badly against a side sitting 17th in Spain’s second division.

Fog, Frustration and a Shock First Blow

Under thick fog and heavier tension, chances were scarce early on. Vinícius Jr. blazed wide, and Madrid looked short of ideas.

Albacete struck first in the 42nd minute when Javi Villar escaped his marker at a corner and headed past Andriy Lunin.

Madrid briefly steadied themselves before halftime, with Franco Mastantuono tapping in from close range — also from a corner — to make it 1–1.

After the break, Albacete frustrated Madrid into mistakes. Jefte Betancor restored the lead in the 82nd minute, reacting quickest after Lunin parried an effort.

When Gonzalo García headed home in the 91st minute, it looked like extra time was inevitable.

Then came the gut punch.

Jefte lofted a sublime finish past Lunin deep into stoppage time, sealing Albacete’s first-ever victory over Real Madrid.

“Here, Even a Draw Is a Tragedy" 

A visibly shaken Arbeloa didn’t hide behind excuses.

“Here at this club a draw is already bad — it’s a tragedy. Imagine a defeat like this, it’s painful," he said.

“If anyone is responsible and to blame for this outcome, it’s clearly me."

Despite the fallout, Arbeloa defended his selections.

“I’d do the same again. I brought a team capable of winning."

Captain Dani Carvajal, unable to prevent the winner after coming on, issued a public apology.

“We’re not at our best moment… We ask for forgiveness for the fans. We were not up to the level of this club."

With the Super Cup gone and the Copa del Rey dream shattered, Real Madrid’s slump deepens — and Arbeloa’s reign begins under the harshest spotlight imaginable.

(with AFP inputs)

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