Real Madrid knocked out by lower league Albacete in Copa Del Rey

Real Madrid suffered a shock exit from the Copa del Rey as they were beaten 3-2 by Segunda División side Albacete at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Wednesday night.

The defeat came in the Last 16 of the competition and marked a dramatic upset against the 15-time Champions League winners.

The match was also notable as the first game in charge for new interim Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed earlier this week following the departure of Xabi Alonso. 

However, Arbeloa’s debut ended in disappointment as his side failed to cope with Albacete’s late surge.

Albacete took the lead in the 42nd minute when defender Javi Villar rose highest to head home José Carlos Lazo’s corner, sending the home crowd into celebration. 

Madrid responded quickly, equalising in first-half stoppage time through Franco Mastantuono to make it 1-1 at the break.

The second half appeared to be heading towards extra time until substitute Jefte Betancor transformed the contest.

He restored Albacete’s lead in the 82nd minute with a composed finish, putting the underdogs on the brink of a famous victory.

Real Madrid briefly reignited hope when Gonzalo García struck in the 90th minute, with Arda Güler providing the assist. 

But any momentum was short-lived, as Betancor struck again in the fourth minute of added time to seal the win and complete his late double.

The result represents Albacete’s first-ever victory over Real Madrid and sends them into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. 

Watched by a crowd of 16,800, the upset will go down as one of the most memorable nights in the club’s history, while Madrid are left to reflect on a humbling start to a new managerial era.

Real Madrid face Levante next in the La Liga before hosting Monaco in the UEFA Champions League next week.