Real Madrid suffer shock Copa del Rey exit against Albacete on Arbeloa's coaching bow
Real Madrid endured a stunning 3-2 loss in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday, marking Alvaro Arbeloa's first match as manager with a disappointing defeat to a team from the second division.
Stepping in on Monday to succeed Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa saw his team eliminated thanks to Jefte Betancor's decisive goal in added time at the Carlos Belmonte ground.
Missing star forward Kylian Mbappe and several other vital squad members, Arbeloa's lineup faced difficulties against a club sitting 17th in the Spanish Segunda Division.
Albacete opened the scoring via Javi Villar, only for Franco Mastantuono to restore parity right before the interval.
Jefte restored the home side's advantage in the 82nd minute and then netted the clincher following Gonzalo Garcia's 91st-minute effort that appeared to push the 15-time European Cup winners into extra time.
"At this club even a draw feels unacceptable, a real disaster. A loss like this one hurts deeply," Arbeloa shared with the press.
"I am certain every supporter shares that sentiment. It stings even more against lower-league opponents, though we all know any rival can pose a challenge here.
"If responsibility lies anywhere for this result, it falls squarely on me, as I chose the starting eleven, the tactics and the changes made.
"All I can do is express gratitude to the players for their warm reception and the commitment they showed today."
Following Real Madrid's defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, club president Florentino Perez installed Arbeloa, previously in charge of the reserve squad.
The former player included two youngsters from his former reserve team in the lineup, midfielder Jorge Cestero and defender David Jimenez.
In addition to Mbappe, absentees included shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Jude Bellingham, preserved for the upcoming La Liga fixture against Levante on Saturday.
"I would make the identical choices again, I fielded a squad ready to secure victory," Arbeloa stated.
The opening period unfolded amid thick fog that descended early, mirroring the sombre atmosphere around Madrid.
Vinicius Junior blasted over from distance, with few genuine opportunities emerging until the home team struck unexpectedly.
Villar shook off Mastantuono at a set piece and headed Albacete ahead in the 42nd minute.
Arbeloa's charges responded swiftly before the break, Mastantuono converting from near post off another corner.
Jefte's brace seals it
Post-interval, Albacete held firm defensively before launching forward to regain control.
Andriy Lunin denied Riki's shot, but moments later Jefte capitalised for Alberto Gonzalez's charges.
After Gonzalo Garcia's mishit clearance, the forward controlled inside the area and struck a shot that dipped low before rising over Lunin.
The Madrid prospect redeemed himself in stoppage time, nodding home neatly to equalise once more.
Yet the drama peaked as Jefte lofted a superb finish beyond Lunin, delivering Albacete their maiden triumph over Real Madrid.
"Failure does not scare me, I accept some might label this result as such," Arbeloa reflected.
"In my view, setbacks pave the way to triumphs, not opposing them."
Real Madrid skipper Dani Carvajal, introduced from the bench yet unable to prevent Jefte's decider, vowed the group would rally against their poor form.
"We are far from peak condition, hard work is essential, everyone must contribute more, that is the truth," Carvajal commented.
"We apologise to the supporters. We fell short of the standards expected at this club, starting with myself, and we will pour everything into the coming matches and beyond."
In other results, Real Betis overcame Elche 2-1 while Alaves triumphed 2-0 over Rayo Vallecano to advance to the last eight.
The defending champions Barcelona head to second-tier frontrunners Racing Santander on Thursday.