Albacete vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos kicked out of Copa del Rey by 2nd division side

Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid stint began with a debilitating defeat, as they beaten 3–2 by second division Albacete, which effectively ended their Copa del Rey ambitions.

Los Blancos had to come from behind twice in the game, including a late equaliser from Gonzalo Garcia. However, an even later goal from Jefte sealed Real Madrid's Round of 16 exit.

The defeat compounds Los Blancos' woes from the past few days, which began with the Supercopa de España defeat to Barcelona, followed by the termination of Xabi Alonso's contract.

Arbeloa was immediately named as his replacement, and his first task was to help Los Blancos advance into the quarter-final. Despite naming a fairly strong side, albeit with Mbappe rested, Los Merengues failed to impose their superior quality and