Segunda Division side Albacete pulled off a stunning 3-2 upset against Real Madrid, knocking them out of the Copa del Rey in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game as manager after taking over from Xabi Alonso two days before.
The game saw Real Madrid feature a young Madrid sides with only Vini Jr, Fede Valverde, and Arda Guler being the stars in the starting line up.
Javier Villar del Fraille put Albacete ahead but Franco Mastantuono pegged them back. Substitute Jefte Betancor then scored twice, including a late winner in added time, securing Albacete’s historic victory. Real Madrid had equalized through Gonzalo Garcia’s header in stoppage time, but Betancor’s strike in 4th minute of added tome dashed their hopes.
Arbeloa took full responsibility for the defeat, stating he’s accountable for the team’s performance. He also defended his decision to rest key players, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, saying he will make the same choice again.
This early exit from Spain’s premier cup competition adds to Real Madrid woes with the Giants now only left in the La Liga and UEFA champions league race after also losing Super Copa Espana to Barcelona on Sunday.
