Copa del Rey: Real Madrid stunned by second division Albacete in first match since Xabi Alonso’s departure

Substitute Jefte Betancor scored twice as second-tier Albacete recorded a dramatic 3-2 victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid on Wednesday to eliminate the country from the Copa del Rey in the round of 16 in Alvaro Arbeloa’s managerial debut.

On a misty evening at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, the energetic 17,000-strong crowd created an electric atmosphere as Albacete stunned the European powerhouse, who had sacked manager Xabi Alonso earlier this week.

Former Real defender Arbeloa, who took over after Alonso’s dismissal, fielded a largely second-string side and struggled to impose himself on his lowly opponent, while poor visibility shrouded large parts of the match due to dense fog, adding to the drama.

The hosts took the lead in the 42nd minute after a period of pressure. A dangerous corner from Jose Lazo found Javier Villar at the near post, with the defender rising highest to head past Real’s stand-in goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, sending the crowd into raptures.

The joy was short-lived, however, as Real hit back just before half-time when a marauding Vinicius Jr. won a corner, which Arda Guler swung into the penalty area.

Dean Huijsen’s first header was brilliantly saved by Albacete keeper Raul Lizoain, but Franco Mastantuono pounced on the rebound to slam home the score.

Albacete regained the lead in the 82nd minute after substitute Agus Medina’s shot from the edge of the penalty area forced a brilliant save from Lunin.

From the resulting corner, Real’s defense failed to clear the lines, allowing an unmarked Betancor to find the net with a vicious strike from the far post.

Real Madrid thought they had saved the tie in stoppage time when Guler’s cross was met by Gonzalo Garcia, whose towering header beat Lizoain to make it 2-2. But when the visitor pushed for a late winner, he left himself exposed at the back.

Four minutes into extra time, Jefte broke loose from the counterattack. His initial effort was blocked by Dani Carvajal, but the striker kept his composure, collected the rebound and unleashed a sublime right-footed strike into the top corner to seal a shock victory for the hosts.

Published on January 15, 2026