Albacete delivered one of the biggest shocks in recent Copa del Rey history after eliminating Real Madrid with a dramatic 3–2 victory, knocking the Spanish giants out of the competition at the hands of a second-tier side.
The stunning upset came on a historic night that also marked Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge of Real Madrid—a debut that could hardly have gone worse.
Match Summary: Late Drama Decides Giant-Killing
Real Madrid appeared to be edging closer to survival after trading blows with Albacete, but the hosts produced a sensational late surge that stunned the visitors.
Goalscorers
Albacete
- J. Villar (42’)
- Jefté Betancor (82’, 90+5’)
Real Madrid
- F. Mastantuono (45+3’)
- G. García (90+1’)
Former Real Madrid youth player Jefté Betancor was the hero of the night, scoring two late goals to complete a fairy-tale comeback and eliminate his former club.
Arbeloa’s Nightmare Debut
The defeat compounds a turbulent period for Real Madrid. Arbeloa was appointed manager following the club’s Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona, which led to the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.
Despite Madrid’s pedigree and experience, defensive lapses and a lack of control in key moments proved costly, allowing Albacete to grow in belief and confidence as the match wore on.
Albacete Make History
For Albacete, this was a once-in-a-generation night. A second-tier side knocking out Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey cements their place in Spanish football folklore. The atmosphere, resilience, and late drama perfectly embodied the magic of cup football.
The win will be remembered as one of the club’s greatest-ever achievements.
Real Madrid’s Season Under Pressure
With Copa del Rey hopes ended, Real Madrid now face a narrow path to silverware:
- 🏆 La Liga – Fierce title race
- 🏆 Champions League – Elite European competition
The pressure is firmly on Arbeloa to stabilise the season quickly, as Madrid’s margin for error continues to shrink against top domestic and continental rivals.
What This Means Going Forward
- Albacete march on in the Copa del Rey, dreaming of an improbable deep run.
- Real Madrid must regroup fast, with focus shifting fully to La Liga and the Champions League.
The result sends a clear warning: Madrid’s troubles are far from over.
Final Verdict
Albacete’s 3–2 Copa del Rey victory will go down as one of the competition’s greatest upsets. Late heroics from Jefté Betancor and an inspired team performance ended Real Madrid’s cup campaign and handed Álvaro Arbeloa a harsh introduction to management at the Bernabéu.
Spanish football witnessed a night to remember—proof once again that in the Copa del Rey, anything is possible.
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