Coaching debut goes completely wrong
After Alonso’s exit: Real Madrid embarrassed themselves in the cup
January 14, 2026 – 11:31 p.mReading time: 1 min.
After the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa experienced a bitter embarrassment in his first game as Real Madrid coach. A second division team defeats the Royals.
Real Madrid made a real embarrassment in coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut in the Spanish Cup. In the first game after parting ways with Xabi Alonso, the Royals lost 2:3 (1:1) to second division club Albacete Balompie in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Without superstar Kylian Mbappé, the 20-time cup winner was disappointed throughout the entire season and lost to 17th place in the table. the Segunda Division is not undeserved.
There was hardly any class difference throughout the entire season. Real created few chances to score, the hosts even had the better opportunities. Albacete was rewarded in the first half: Javi Villar (42nd minute) headed the underdog into the lead. The 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono (45th + 3) was able to equalize for the weak guests a little later.
Even after the break, Real were unable to dominate for a long time. The decision was made in a turbulent final phase. After the 2-1 by Albacete professional Jefté Betancor (82nd), it looked like a surprise again. But Gonzalo Garcia initially equalized for Real (90+1). Then came the second strike from Betancor (90th + 4): The 32-year-old caused a sensation with a shot into the far corner.