Madrid Stunned as Arbeloa Debut Ends in Cup Exit

Real Madrid suffered a shock Copa del Rey last-16 exit on Wednesday after losing 3-2 to second-tier Albacete, as Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game in charge ended in embarrassment.

Appointed earlier this week to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa watched his depleted side undone by Jefte Betancor’s stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte, just days after defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Albacete had led twice through Javi Villar and Jefte, with Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia replying for Madrid, but the underdogs had the final say late on.

Missing Kylian Mbappe and several regular starters, Madrid struggled to impose themselves and were punished by a disciplined Albacete side, currently 17th in the Segunda Division, who claimed one of the biggest wins in their recent history.

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