Wed Jan 14 19:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Arbeloa’s Real Madrid Debut Ends in Shock Copa del Rey Exit Against Albacete
The Story:
Álvaro Arbeloa’s highly anticipated debut as Real Madrid’s first-team coach ended in a stunning 3-2 defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey. Despite initial hopes and the inclusion of youth players, Real Madrid struggled throughout the match, plagued by poor visibility due to fog and ultimately undone by defensive errors. Albacete capitalized, securing a late winner to eliminate the Spanish giants from the competition.
Key Points:
* Álvaro Arbeloa debuted as Real Madrid’s coach in a Copa del Rey match against Albacete.
* The match was heavily impacted by fog, reducing visibility for players and spectators.
* Real Madrid youth players like Cestero and Jiménez were included in the starting lineup.
* Albacete defeated Real Madrid 3-2, with Jefté scoring the decisive goal late in the game.
* Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono scored a goal, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the defeat.
* Carvajal stated, “Hoy hemos tocado fondo” (“Today we hit rock bottom”).
Key Takeaways:
* Arbeloa’s debut was a significant disappointment, highlighting potential challenges in his transition to first-team management.
* The defeat exposed weaknesses in Real Madrid’s squad, particularly in defense and consistency.
* Albacete’s victory is a major upset, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of cup competitions.
* The inclusion of youth players suggests a focus on developing talent, but their performance was mixed.
* The match conditions (fog) added an unusual element that may have contributed to the result.
First Piper 