Sat Jan 17 12:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Real Madrid Stunned by Albacete in Copa del Rey, Arbeloa’s Debut Turns Sour
Álvaro Arbeloa’s managerial debut for Real Madrid ended in disaster as the team, comprised largely of youth players, suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to second-division Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This unexpected loss follows the dismissal of Xabi Alonso just days prior, leaving Arbeloa with the daunting task of revitalizing a team that has struggled to win major titles despite the high-profile acquisition of Kylian Mbappé two summers ago. The defeat has sparked discontent among Madrid fans and puts immense pressure on Arbeloa ahead of their La Liga match against Levante.
The loss to Albacete is a stark reminder of Real Madrid’s past failures in the Copa del Rey, particularly the infamous “Alcorconazo” in 2009, a 4-0 defeat to third-division Alcorcón, a game in which Arbeloa himself played. Now, the new manager faces immediate scrutiny and must find a way to rally the team and secure a victory against Levante to appease the frustrated fans. Arbeloa has taken full responsibility for the defeat, citing his lineup choices as the primary reason for the loss.
Key Points
- Álvaro Arbeloa debuted as Real Madrid manager with a 3-2 Copa del Rey loss to Albacete.
- Xabi Alonso was dismissed as manager just prior to Arbeloa’s appointment.
- Real Madrid lost to a second division side
- Key players like Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Rodrygo were not included in the squad for the match against Albacete.
- Kylian Mbappé was sidelined due to a knee injury.
- Arbeloa took full responsibility for the defeat.
Critical Analysis
The decision to rest key players against Albacete, coupled with Mbappé’s injury, suggests a potential miscalculation by Arbeloa in his first managerial decision. Perhaps he underestimated the opponent or prioritized upcoming La Liga fixtures. The echoes of the “Alcorconazo” resonate strongly, indicating a historical pattern of Real Madrid struggling against lower-division teams in the Copa del Rey, especially when fielding weakened sides. This highlights a potential systemic issue in squad management and underestimation of cup competitions.
Key Takeaways
- Arbeloa’s debut loss intensifies pressure on him to deliver immediate results.
- Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey defeat exposes vulnerabilities in squad depth and management.
- The “Alcorconazo” legacy continues to haunt Real Madrid’s cup ambitions.
- Mbappé’s fitness is crucial for Real Madrid’s success.
- Arbeloa’s immediate challenge is to regain fan support and confidence.
Impact Analysis
The defeat to Albacete could have long-term implications for Arbeloa’s tenure and Real Madrid’s season. A loss against Levante would further erode fan confidence and increase scrutiny on the new manager. The focus will shift to how quickly Arbeloa can integrate key players back into the lineup, address the team’s physical conditioning, and motivate a squad that has underperformed despite significant investment. The outcome of the match against Levante will serve as an early indicator of whether Arbeloa can turn things around and navigate the challenges ahead. Failure to do so could lead to further instability and jeopardize Real Madrid’s chances of winning major trophies this season.
First Piper 