Real Madrid eliminated from Copa del Rey by second-division Albacete in Arbeloa's debut

Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday at the Carlos Belmonte stadium, eliminated by second-division Albacete in Álvaro Arbeloa's debut as head coach.

Jefté Betancor scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute with a delicate chip over goalkeeper Lunin after Gonzalo García had equalized for Madrid in the 91st minute. The result marked Albacete's first victory over Real Madrid in the club's history.

Javi Villar opened the scoring for Albacete in the 42nd minute. Franco Mastantuono equalized for Madrid just before half-time in the 45th minute. Betancor restored Albacete's lead in the 82nd minute before García's late equalizer set up the dramatic finish.

Arbeloa, promoted from Real Madrid's reserve team on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, fielded a squad heavily composed of substitutes and youth players. Key players including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz were rested. Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono returned to the starting lineup after nearly a month on the bench.

Albacete, currently 17th in Spain's second division and just one point above the relegation zone, entered the match with significant enthusiasm. The home side remained ahead on the scoreboard twice before Betancor's stoppage-time winner.

The defeat comes three days after Madrid's 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final on Sunday, a result that led to Xabi Alonso's dismissal. Arbeloa said after the match: "At this club every defeat is a tragedy, so imagine one like this." He added: "Failure is the road to success," insisting he was not afraid.

Albacete became the first side from outside Spain's top division to eliminate Madrid from the Copa del Rey in the club's history. The match was played in fog that obscured visibility for portions of the first 20 minutes.