Did Arbeloa's Coaching Debut End in a Shocking Loss?
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Synopsis
Alvaro Arbeloa's inaugural match as Real Madrid's coach ended in a stunning defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, leading to an unexpected exit. With promising young talents in the lineup, the clash showcased a thrilling back-and-forth before the late heartbreak. Discover how this match unfolded and its implications for the team.
Key Takeaways
- Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as coach ended in a surprising loss.
- Real Madrid fielded a young lineup from the Castilla B-team.
- Albacete took advantage of defensive lapses to secure victory.
- The match showcased the unpredictability of knockout tournaments like the Copa del Rey.
- Real Madrid must learn from this defeat as they move forward.
Madrid, Jan 15 (NationPress) The debut of Alvaro Arbeloa as the head coach of Real Madrid concluded with an unexpected elimination from the Copa del Rey following a 3-2 defeat against the second-division team Albacete.
Arbeloa displayed confidence in the Castilla B-team, promoting youngsters Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez to his starting lineup.
The match took place in a fog-covered Carlos Belmonte Stadium in Albacete, where the home team, having also rested several key players, took the lead in the 42nd minute when Javi Villar scored from a corner, as reported by Xinhua.
Franco Mastantuono equalized for Real Madrid just before halftime, scoring during injury time after a corner was flicked on by Dean Huijsen.
However, the upset seemed imminent when Jefte Betancor restored Albacete's lead in the 82nd minute with a volley, capitalizing on a clearance mistake by Gonzalo Garcia.
The Madrid forward appeared to have forced extra time by heading in another corner to level the score at 2-2, but Jefte secured the victory in the 94th minute, finishing a swift counterattack. Despite his initial shot being blocked, he skillfully lifted the rebound over goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and into the net, marking this as the most significant upset of the season.
In another match, Real Betis advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-1 victory over Elche at La Cartuja. Elche initially took the lead with a goal from Petrot, but Chimy turned the game around with two goals in the 68th and 81st minutes.
Deportivo Alaves also reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018, winning 2-0 against Rayo Vallecano with goals from Toni Martinez and Carlos Vicente, the latter scoring from nearly 40 yards into an empty net.
It was a challenging night for Rayo, who lost Sergio Camello to injury in the first half and had Isi Palazon sent off shortly after coming on in the 61st minute.
Point of View
Arbeloa's debut represents a pivotal moment for Real Madrid, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent amidst unexpected challenges. While the loss is disappointing for fans, it also presents an opportunity for growth and reflection as the team looks ahead.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals for Real Madrid in the match?
Franco Mastantuono scored the equalizer for Real Madrid, while the second goal was headed in by an unnamed striker in the dying moments of the match.
What does this loss mean for Arbeloa's future as coach?
This loss may raise questions about Arbeloa's strategies and decisions, but it's essential to give him time to adapt and develop the team.
How did Albacete manage to win the match?
Albacete capitalized on defensive errors from Real Madrid and executed a swift counterattack that led to the winning goal.
