The Alvaro Arbeloa era at Real Madrid is off to a challenging beginning after the club suffered a shocking defeat in the Copa del Rey, losing 3-2 to second-tier Albacete on Wednesday. Currently fighting relegation in LaLiga 2, Albacete poses more threat to its own place than to Madrid’s storied reputation, yet cup matches often disrupt expectations in soccer.
Without Kylian Mbappe, sidelined with a knee injury, Real Madrid showcased a rotating squad. However, Albacete was the first to find the net, with Javi Villar scoring in the first half. Although Franco Mastantuono equalized before halftime, Real Madrid appeared uneasy throughout the match. The intensity ramped up in the 80th minute after Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal entered the fray, but Albacete’s belief grew, culminating in a goal from substitute Jefte Betancor.
Real Madrid managed to level again through Gonzalo Garcia during stoppage time, yet Betancor responded swiftly, ensuring the match wouldn’t head into extra time. For Arbeloa, who just stepped into top-flight management, this encounter presented a crucial examination for a team with lofty aspirations. Despite dominating possession with 78%, Real Madrid conceded three goals on just five shots from the opposition.
After falling to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España and moving on from Xabi Alonso’s tenure as manager, Real Madrid urgently needs to regroup. They’re currently four points adrift of Barcelona in LaLiga while still contending in Champions League play. For Albacete, this victory serves as a significant achievement.
Albacete: A Closer Look
Established in 1939, Albacete has been absent from La Liga since the 2004-05 season, frequently residing in the second division. The current campaign sees them in 17th place, with little hope of contention for promotion. Left-back Jonathan Gomez, an American, joined the team after his stint at Louisville City FC in 2021. Although not a regular starter, he contributed to the squad with 20 appearances this season. Achieving a spot in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals marks a historic milestone for Albacete.
Real Madrid’s Additional Concerns
While Arbeloa’s previous experience as a player may lend him some credibility, starting his managerial career with this result increases the pressure on him. A home match against Levante would typically be a redemption opportunity for Real Madrid, but following this loss, confidence is shaky. The stakes will only heighten as they close January with pivotal Champions League matches against Monaco and Benfica (live on Paramount+), plus another LaLiga match against Villarreal. Any further slip-ups will complicate their attempts to regain ground in LaLiga ahead of the next Clasico against Barcelona in May. Arbeloa must cement his strategy swiftly, especially since Alonso’s tenure lasted only seven months. With the current dynamic, Real Madrid could potentially see three managers in a single season, and time is running out.
