Real Madrid Crash Out of Copa del Rey After 3-2 Defeat to Second-Tier Albacete

Real Madrid suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to second-division side Albacete on Wednesday, crashing out of the Copa del Rey in the round of 16 and marking an embarrassing start to Alvaro Arbeloa's tenure

as head coach.

Appointed only two days earlier to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa's debut unravelled in dramatic fashion as Jefte Betancor struck a stoppage-time winner at the fog-covered Carlos Belmonte Stadium.

Missing several key names-including Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, and Jude Bellingham-Madrid fielded a rotated lineup featuring two players Arbeloa had coached in the reserves. The unfamiliar combination struggled to take control, and Albacete, sitting 17th in the Segunda División, capitalized.

The hosts took a surprise lead in the 42nd minute when Javi Villar slipped away from his marker at a corner and headed home. Madrid responded swiftly, with Franco Mastantuono turning in a close-range effort from their own set-piece just before the break.

After halftime, the visitors found little rhythm as Albacete defended resiliently and waited for their moments to attack. The pressure paid off in the 82nd minute when Jefte pounced on a loose ball in the box, firing past Andriy Lunin to put the underdogs ahead.

Gonzalo Garcia appeared to rescue Madrid in stoppage time, rising for a precise header that made it 2-2 and seemed to force extra time. But Albacete had one last twist. In the dying seconds, Jefte capitalized again, producing a superb lofted finish over Lunin to seal an unforgettable victory-Albacete's first ever against Real Madrid.

Arbeloa accepted responsibility for the defeat. "Here at this club a draw is already bad - it's a tragedy. Imagine a defeat like this," he said. "If anyone is responsible and to blame for this outcome, it's clearly me. "

Captain Dani Carvajal echoed the frustration, admitting, "We're not at our best moment. We ask for forgiveness for the fans. "

Elsewhere, Real Betis edged Elche 2-1 and Alaves beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0 to book their spots in the quarterfinals, while holders Barcelona face Racing Santander on Thursday.