Real Madrid suffered a shock exit from the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, losing 3-2 to second-division side Albacete in the round of 16, as Álvaro Arbeloa’s debut as head coach ended in disappointment. The defeat at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium marked one of the most surprising results of the tournament, with Madrid undone by a stoppage-time winner.

Arbeloa was appointed on Monday following the departure of Xabi Alonso and was handed a difficult first assignment amid several key absences. Real Madrid were without French forward Kylian Mbappé and a number of regular starters, a factor that contributed to a disjointed performance against an Albacete side struggling near the bottom of Spain’s second tier.

The hosts took the lead when Javi Villar found the net, capitalizing on defensive lapses from the visitors. Real Madrid responded just before halftime through Franco Mastantuono, who leveled the score and briefly restored control for the Spanish giants heading into the break.

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The second half remained fiercely contested, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal. Albacete matched Madrid’s intensity and refused to sit back, exploiting spaces and maintaining pressure. Despite Madrid’s greater possession, clear chances were limited as the hosts defended resolutely and countered with purpose.

The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Jefte Betancor struck the winning goal, sending the home crowd into celebration and sealing one of the club’s most memorable cup victories. The result ended Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey campaign abruptly and highlighted the challenges facing Arbeloa as he begins his managerial tenure.

For Albacete, currently placed 17th in the Segunda División, the victory represented a significant morale boost and a major upset in Spanish football. For Real Madrid, the early cup exit raises questions about squad depth and adaptation under new leadership, with attention now shifting back to domestic and European commitments.

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