Real Madrid fell 3–2 to Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16, with Arbeloa’s debut ending in a stunning stoppage-time defeat

Real Madrid suffered a shock 3–2 defeat to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday, as Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as head coach ended in humiliation.

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Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa’s side were undone by Jefte Betancor’s stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.

Real Madrid, missing French star Kylian Mbappe and other key players, struggled against Albacete, who currently sit 17th in Spain’s second division.

The hosts took the lead through Javi Villar before halftime, but Franco Mastantuono equalised for Madrid with a close-range finish from a corner.

After the break, Albacete regained the lead through Jefte Betancor in the 82nd minute.

Gonzalo Garcia’s 91st-minute goal for Madrid seemed to force extra time, but Jefte struck again to secure a sensational late victory.

The first half was dominated by heavy fog and few clear chances, with Vinicius Junior missing a long-range effort.

Madrid’s young players, including reserve team members Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez, were drafted into the squad for the match.

Albacete capitalised on defensive lapses, frustrating Madrid’s attacks and producing a dramatic late surge to seal the upset.

The defeat follows Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, which prompted the club president Florentino Perez to replace Alonso with Arbeloa.

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The 15-time European champions now face early elimination from the Copa del Rey, highlighting the struggles of a team in transition under their new coach.