Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game as Real Madrid coach concluded in a surprising exit from the Copa del Rey, suffering a 3-2 loss to second-tier Albacete. Arbeloa displayed confidence in the Castilla B-team by including young talents Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez in the starting lineup.
The match took place at a foggy Carlos Belmonte Stadium in Albacete, where the hosts, despite resting key players, took the lead with Javi Villar’s goal in the 42nd minute after a corner kick. Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono equalized just before halftime after Dean Huijsen’s header from a corner.
Albacete regained the lead in the 82nd minute through Jefte Betancor’s volley, capitalizing on a defensive error by Gonzalo Garcia. Despite Madrid’s effort to force extra time with a late goal, Jefte sealed Albacete’s victory in the 94th minute with a composed finish after a swift counterattack.
In a separate fixture, Real Betis advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey by defeating Elche 2-1 at La Cartuja. Elche initially went ahead with a goal from Leo Petrot, but Chimy’s quick brace in the 68th and 81st minutes secured Betis’ progression.
Deportivo Alaves also secured a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018 with a 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano. Goals from Toni Martinez and Carlos Vicente, including a remarkable long-range strike by Vicente, sealed Alaves’ win.
