Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut at Real Madrid went badly wrong. Los Blancos lost their first game in the cup at Albacete Balompie after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.
Without superstar Kylian Mbappé, the 20-time winner of the Copa del Rey lost undeservedly to the 17th in the Spanish second division 2:3 (1:1) and was eliminated in the round of 16. There was hardly any difference in class throughout the entire season, Real created few chances to score, the hosts even had the better opportunities.
Betancor shocked Real in the 94th minute
Albacete was rewarded in the first half when Javi Villar (42nd minute) headed the underdog into the lead. The 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono (45th + 3) could equalize for the weak guests a little later.
Even after the break, Real were unable to dominate for a long time, and the decision was made in a turbulent final phase. After the 2-1 by Albacete professional Jefte Betancor (82nd), it looked like a surprise again, but Gonzalo Garcia initially equalized for Real (90th + 1). Then came the second strike from Betancor (90th + 4), with the 32-year-old causing a sensation with a shot into the far corner.
For Arbeloa, it is a bitter setback after his promotion from the second team to head coach. He knows that the only thing that matters to the Royals is “to win, win and win again. That’s in our blood”he said before the game.