Real Madrid could be set for a second cup disappointment in a matter of days, with Albacete retaking the lead in their Copa del Rey tie at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte.
Arbeloa opted to make sweeping changes from the Spanish Supercup defeat to Barcelona, which spelled the end of Alonso. However, this freshness has not helped Real Madrid, who struggled to create chances against their Segunda opponents, and they managed to find the breakthrough courtesy of a fantastic header from defender Javi Villar.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, they managed to find an equaliser before half time. In the third minute of stoppage time, Franco Mastantuono fired home the first goal of the Arbeloa era, as he reacted quickly following a fine save from Albacete goalkeeper Raul Lizoain.
Albacete did not wilt after that, and their reward is a second goal of the night, which has been scored by substitute Jefte Betancor.
"Real Madrid are on the ropes!"
Jefté Betancor has Albacete within touching distance of a famous Copa del Rey upset
pic.twitter.com/uIUoYEBLzp
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 14, 2026
L I V E
Jefte Betancor
Albacete 2 – 1 Real Madrid#AlbaceteRealMadrid #CopaDelRey
— Xabi Alonso Out Of Context (@XabiAlonsoOoc) January 14, 2026
It has been a poor performance from Real Madrid, and unless they find a second goal in the remaining minutes, their season is about to take another turn for the worse.
The post WATCH: Real Madrid heading out of Copa del Rey as Albacete retake lead appeared first on Football España.
