Real Madrid experienced a shocking defeat in the Copa del Rey, falling 3-2 to Albacete, a team currently situated in the second tier of Spanish football. The match took place at Albacete’s Carlos Belmonte stadium in the round of 16. After a series of disappointing results, it was a chance for Alvaro Arbeloa to make his debut as head coach during this event. Only days earlier, Real Madrid had faced Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and lost. This loss leaves the club hanging by a thread.
It was Albacete’s victory that was sealed by a stoppage-time winning goal from Jefte who pounced after a rare defensive error. Real Madrid started without their star winger, Kylian Mbappe. That lack of a defensive presence was compounded by the absence of other key players. They roared out of the gates, but the squad could not regain control of the match against their outmatched lower-division foes.
A Gloomy Start and Missed Chances
The match started in the disastrous fog that engulfed the stadium, creating difficult circumstances for both sides. In the first 45, there were flashes of potential from Real Madrid, but they just couldn’t find the back of the net. Vinicius Junior had a chance to score but his long-range effort sailed high and wide, a reflection of the team’s overall struggle.
Real Madrid were handed the opportunity to take the lead but Albacete was the side that capitalised on a mistake from their opponents. Gonzalo Garcia’s clearance was pounced upon by Jefte, who took advantage of the situation and finished inside the area to give Albacete the lead. The home side’s defense proved resilient, stifling Real Madrid’s attempts to equalize.
Arbeloa Takes Responsibility
In his post-match statements, Arbeloa accepted disappointment of the draw and held himself entirely accountable for the team’s lack of output.
“If anyone is responsible and to blame for this outcome, it’s clearly me, the one who made the decisions regarding the lineup, how we wanted to play, the substitutions,” – Alvaro Arbeloa.
He recognized the heartache this loss causes to supporters. He went on to discuss how failure is an important part of the path to success.
“Here at this club, a draw is already bad – it’s a tragedy. Imagine a defeat like this, it’s painful,” – Alvaro Arbeloa.
In spite of the disappointment, Arbeloa said that he was grateful for the players’ resilience and the hearty welcome that he received after joining. He emphasized again that he is determined to own the turnaround.
“I’d do the same again, I brought a team capable of winning,” – Alvaro Arbeloa.
Team Reflection and Future Commitment
Dani Carvajal, who entered the match as a reserve player, reflected the words of Arbeloa in saying that the squad has plenty of room to improve. He was insistent that it was on the players to do more to turn around the club’s current downward spiral.
“We’re not at our best moment; we have to work hard; we all have to give a lot more; it’s a reality,” – Dani Carvajal.
Carvajal apologized to the fans for the team’s performance against Albacete, acknowledging that they did not meet the club’s high standards.
“We ask for forgiveness for the fans. We were not up to the level of this club, me first of all, and we will give our lives in the next games and months [to turn it around],” – Dani Carvajal.
As a result, Arbeloa and Carvajal are encouraging their teammates to play with pride and fight in order to re-earn the pride in the team’s performance. The upcoming matches will be crucial for both the players and their new coach as they seek to regain their footing in Spanish football.
