Was Xabi Alonso the Real Issue? Real Madrid Humiliated by Albacete in Copa del Rey Thriller

‎Real Madrid suffered a stunning Copa del Rey elimination on Wednesday, falling 3-2 to second-tier Albacete in a match that laid bare their defensive shortcomings. Alvaro Arbeloa’s first outing as manager could hardly have gone worse, as his side dominated possession but collapsed when it mattered most.

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‎Despite spending large stretches camped in Albacete’s half, Madrid rarely carved out clear opportunities. The hosts, by contrast, maximised their chances and were fully deserving of a famous victory.

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Albacete dump Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey with a dramatic 3-2 win, exposing defensive flaws and handing Alvaro Arbeloa a brutal start as head coach.

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‎Early on, Madrid struggled to find rhythm. A blend of youth players and established stars failed to gel, with Federico Valverde firing off-target from distance and Vinicius Jr sending an effort over after repeatedly attacking his defender.

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‎Albacete remained disciplined and waited for openings on the counter. Their patience paid dividends in the 42nd minute when Javi Villar met a corner with a powerful header that beat Andriy Lunin. Madrid responded swiftly, equalising before the interval as Franco Mastantuono reacted sharply to poke home from close range following a set-piece.

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‎After the restart, Madrid pushed forward with greater intent. Vinicius continued to threaten, while Arda Guler assumed more control in central areas. Yet, just as Arbeloa’s side appeared poised to snatch a winner, defensive calamity struck. Raul Asencio failed to deal with danger inside the area, and Jefte Betancor capitalised to restore Albacete’s lead late on.

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‎The closing moments descended into chaos. Gonzalo Garcia nodded in a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time, but Albacete responded almost immediately. Betancor produced a sublime curling finish with virtually the last kick, sealing a remarkable cup upset. Madrid’s final desperate attack came to nothing, confirming an unforgettable night for the hosts and a miserable beginning for Arbeloa.

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‎Goalkeeper & Defence

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‎Andriy Lunin (6/10): Made some routine saves and was not at fault for the goals conceded.

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‎David Jimenez (7/10): Generally reliable, though caught out for Albacete’s second.

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‎Raul Asencio (4/10): A shaky performance marked by poor decision-making and costly failures to clear danger.

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‎Dean Huijsen (6/10): Comfortable in possession and involved in the equaliser, but guilty of a few mistakes.

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‎Fran Garcia (7/10): Offered speed and attacking support, unfortunate to be withdrawn.

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‎Midfield

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‎Jorge Cestero (6/10): Kept the ball moving but struggled defensively in transitions.

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‎Federico Valverde (5/10): Well below his usual standards, inconsistent and overly reliant on long shots.

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‎Arda Guler (6/10): Supplied the delivery for Madrid’s opener, assisted the second, and dictated play after the break.

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‎Attack

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‎Franco Mastantuono (6/10): Scored but contributed little else going forward.

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‎Gonzalo Garcia (7/10): Largely anonymous until his excellent late header.

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‎Vinicius Jr (7/10): Tireless on the flank, repeatedly taking on defenders and creating openings.

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‎Subs & Manager

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‎David Alaba (6/10): Put in a respectable shift in defence.

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‎Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): Added energy but lacked attacking output.

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‎Dani Carvajal (4/10): Rusty and failed to track his runner for the decisive goal.

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‎Cesar Palacios (N/A): Not on long enough to influence the match.

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‎Pepe Sanchez (N/A): Unable to make an impact.

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‎Alvaro Arbeloa (3/10): A dreadful managerial debut, with Madrid blunt in attack and fragile at the back. The defeat was fully merited, reigniting debate over whether Xabi Alonso was ever the real problem.