Albacete 3-2 Real Madrid: Alvaro Arbeloa's Reign Gets Off to the Worst Possible Start as Los Blancos Dumped out of Copa Del Rey

The former Los Blancos full-back was thrust into the limelight two days prior as it was announced that now-former manager Xabi Alonso had been sacked following the 3-2 Spanish Super Cup Final defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona. Arbeloa, a coach through numerous age groups at Valdebebas, was immediately installed as the outgoing boss's replacement, but he is already under pressure. 

Online betting sites were already big on Barcelona's hopes this season, and they will be even bigger now that the door is wide open for the Blaugrana to stroll toward a second Copa Del Rey title. With their greatest rivals now eliminated, the latest odds from the popular Lucky Rebel sportsbook now make the Catalonians a 6/4 favourite to win the cup this season, in addition to them also being the 1/2 favourites to win La Liga. 

Arbeloa's Nightmare Start 

The new man at the helm at the Bernabeu left out a number of his biggest names for the trip to Castilla–La Mancha, hoping for an easy win. Neither Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, nor Jude Bellingham even travelled with the first team, while the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal were on the bench. Some big names were in the starting eleven, however, with Vinisius Jr. leading the charge and captain Federico Valverde in midfield. But almost immediately, Arbeloa would regret his blase approach to the game. 

With the home side looking every bit a match for their illustrious visitors, defender Javi Villar nodded the hosts ahead after 41 minutes, sparking scenes of jubilation among the home fans at the compact Estadio Carlos Belmonte. Six minutes later, Real would strike back through Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono. But more drama was still to come. Much more. 

Throughout the second half, Los Blancos started to take control of the game, but without their cutting edge of Mbappe up top, they struggled to take their chances. In the 81st minute, that lack of efficiency would come to bite the capital city outfit in the backside as striker Jefte Betancor, on loan from Greek side Olympiacos, lashed home from close range after a set piece caused chaos. 

Once again, Real would fight back. In the 91st minute, they would take full advantage of a set piece of their own, with in-form young striker Gonzalo Garcia nodding home to level things up at 2-2. Then, barely three minutes later, Albacete struck the final blow. After comfortably handling an aimless Madrid long ball, Betancor broke clear again down the left-hand flank, powering into the penalty area before cutting back and curling a stunning finish beyond goalkeeper Anton Lunin to secure a famous victory. 

It seemed as though the referee would allow the game to continue until Real Madrid scored again, allowing the contest to run into the 99th minute - only four were initially added on - but in the end, he had no choice but to blow the final whistle and seal Arbeloa's fate. The 3-2 defeat marks the first time since 2021 that Los Blancos have been knocked out by lower league opposition, with third-tier Alcoyano famously dumping them out five years ago. 

What's Next? 

Luckily for the new boss, outgoing manager Alonso managed to steady the ship somewhat before he was ultimately given the chop. Under the former Bayer Leverkusen gaffer, Real Madrid won their last three La Liga games on the bounce, including a 5-1 drubbing of Real Betis on January 4th. That run of form left Los Blancos just four points behind table toppers Barcelona in the La Liga standings, and despite the mood around the Bernabeu at the moment, the season remains far from over.  

In the coming weeks, Arbeloa will have a slew of winnable fixtures to preside over. Levante, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Sociedad all must visit the capital in the near future, as will Monaco in the Champions League. As well as that, the trips to Valencia and Osasuna are also contests in which Los Blancos will be expected to secure all three points. However, as well as those contests, there are some potential banana skins. 

Real's trip to Villareal looks to be a crunch clash. The Yellow Submarine has been in blistering form in recent games, winning eight of their last nine games, with the one defeat coming to Barcelona. Los Blancos must also head to a Benfica side in dire need of a victory in the Champions League. The Portuguese outfit is managed by a certain Jose Mourinho and is in real danger of suffering an early continental exit. If we know anything about the Special One, it's that his sides perform at their very best when their backs are against the wall, and they will be aiming to sting Madrid even further in Lisbon.