Real Madrid crash out of Copa del Rey to second divison minnows as Alvaro Arbeloa suffers humiliation on first game

Jan 14, 2026 - 22:15

Real Madrid suffered a shock exit from the Copa del Rey, the Spanish giants being dumped out by second division side Albacete.

Alvaro Arbeloa endured a nightmare start to his reign, as the Spanish giants were beaten 3-2 by the Segunda Division outfit, thanks to a last minute winner from Jefte Betancor.

Arbeloa endured a nightmare start to his Real Madrid reign[/caption]

It was a famous night for Albacete[/caption]

Just two days after being named as Xabi Alonso’s replacement, Arbeloa suffered the ultimate humiliation as his side were beaten by a side 34 league places below them.

Despite sitting just one point above the second-tier relegation zone, Albacete took the lead through Javi Villar after 42 minutes.

Franco Mastantuono equalised on the cusp of half time, before Betancor fired Albacete back in front on 82 minutes.

It looked as though Gonzalo Garcia had spared Arbeloa’s blushes as he equalised in stoppage time, but one more twist lay ahead.

Just three minutes later, Albacete broke away through Betancor, who looped the ball over Andrey Lunin to seal a famous victory, and sparking wild scenes in the process.