Arbeloa's tenure started off on the worst note possible, with Los Blancos sinking to a last-minute winner (AP)
Football
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News1815-01-2026, 08:15

Arbeloa's Debut Disaster: Real Madrid Stunned by Second-Tier Albacete in Copa del Rey

  • Real Madrid, under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Segunda División side Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
  • Jefte Betancor scored twice for Albacete, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.
  • Arbeloa was appointed just 48 hours before the match, replacing Xabi Alonso after a Super Cup final loss to Barcelona.
  • Madrid played without key senior players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Thibaut Courtois, who were rested.
  • Captain Dani Carvajal apologized to fans, acknowledging the team was not at its best level.

Why It Matters: Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid managerial debut ended in a humiliating Copa del Rey exit to Albacete.

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