On a night when Real Madrid were expected to cruise into the quarterfinals of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey, it was second-division side Albacete who scripted a story for the ages. In front of their jubilant home crowd, Albacete’s 3-2 victory not only sent shockwaves through Spanish football but also turned Alvaro Arbeloa’s managerial debut with Real Madrid into a nightmare he will desperately want to forget.
An experiment that backfired: The cost of change
With controversies swirling around Xabi Alonso’s sidelining, Real Madrid arrived with a team that blended promising academy talents and first-team regulars. The strategy was clear: inject energy and creativity, perhaps even surprise. However, this combination lacked the chemistry required at this level; the result was a Los Blancos side that moved the ball but rarely threatened with intent.
Real Madrid may have dominated possession, but their approach was disjointed and flat. In the opening half, Federico Valverde tried his luck with long-range efforts that sailed wide, while Vinicius Jr.—the visitors' liveliest player—could only muster a sky-high shot after a trademark darting run. Vinicius’ individual drive was bright, yet it illuminated the broader absence of team cohesion.
Albacete’s masterplan: Patience and precision
Albacete, meanwhile, showcased a lesson in tactical discipline. The second-tier outfit absorbed pressure with a compact defensive structure and looked for their moment to strike. The payoff came just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Javi Villar out-jumped everyone to power a header past a rooted Andriy Lunin, giving Albacete the lead. The goal was more than just a reward; it was an accurate reflection of a side playing with clarity and belief.
But Real Madrid managed to claw back, if only for a moment. As halftime loomed, youngster Franco Mastantuono pounced on a loose ball during a set-piece, drawing the visitors level and offering hope for a revived second half.
A second-half collapse: When defense turns costly
Energized by Mastantuono’s equalizer, Madrid came out stronger after the break. Vinicius Jr. continued his raids down the left flank, and Arda Guler added punch from a more central role. For a while, it looked as if the giants would impose their will.
Yet, before they could add another, the nightmare unfolded. In the closing minutes, uncertainty in the Madrid box saw Raul Asencio’s failed clearance bounce kindly for Jefte Betancor, who made no mistake from close range—2-1 to Albacete. The game exploded into late drama, and neutrals everywhere were glued to their screens.
Final twist in added time: heartbreak and heroics
Extra time brought a whirlwind of emotions. Real’s Gonzalo Garcia rose majestically in the 91st minute, heading in an equalizer that reignited hope in white shirts. But Albacete’s fairy tale was not done. Virtually from the restart, Betancor carved out space and curled home a dazzling finish—his second of the match—to seal a 3-2 triumph and send the home fans into rapture.
Bullet points: takeaways from the upset
- Albacete claimed a famous victory over one of Europe’s most storied clubs
- Real Madrid’s defensive frailties proved fatal at crucial moments
- Vinicius Jr. showed flashes of brilliance but found little support
- Arbeloa’s debut as manager will be remembered for the wrong reasons
As Real Madrid lick their wounds, bigger questions emerge. This match did not just underline tactical or personnel problems; it shone a spotlight on deeper issues: Are the club’s struggles only about the manager, or is the soul of the team in question? The fans will be demanding answers, and for Arbeloa, every decision from here on will be scrutinized.