Real Madrid have suffered a stunning and dramatic elimination from the Copa del Rey after falling 3-2 to second-division side Albacete in the Round of 16, played at the Carlos Belmonte stadium on January 14, 2026.
This shocking upset marked the first match in charge for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who had only been appointed two days earlier following the departure of Xabi Alonso after a disappointing Super Cup final loss to Barcelona.
The match unfolded as a classic cup tie full of tension and late drama. Albacete, currently struggling in Segunda División, took the lead in the first half through Javi Villar de Fraile around the 42nd minute, capitalizing on their home atmosphere and disciplined defending against a rotated Real Madrid side.
The visitors responded just before halftime when young talent Franco Mastantuono scored the first goal of the Arbeloa era, reacting sharply to equalize in stoppage time.
The second half remained tight, with Real Madrid pushing for control but struggling to break down the stubborn hosts. Substitute Jefte Betancor then put Albacete back in front in the 82nd minute, seemingly putting the tie beyond reach.
However, Real Madrid fought back once more in the first minute of added time, as Gonzalo García headed home from an Arda Güler corner to make it 2-2 and ignite hopes of extra time.
In a heartbreaking twist, Betancor struck again in the fourth minute of stoppage time with a superb chipped finish over Andriy Lunin, sealing a famous 3-2 victory for Albacete and sending the home fans into ecstasy.
The result represents one of the biggest giant-killings in recent Copa del Rey history, eliminating the 15-time European champions at the last-16 stage and leaving them without the domestic cup for another season.
For Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player and recent Castilla coach promoted internally, the debut could hardly have gone worse, extending the club’s turbulent period and leaving La Liga and the Champions League as their remaining major trophies to fight for this campaign.
Meanwhile, Albacete’s heroic performance secures them a place in the quarterfinals, capping off an unforgettable night for the underdogs.