Albacete Stuns Real Madrid with 3-2 Copa del Rey Upset on Arbeloa's Debut

In a major shock in the Copa del Rey round of 16, second-division side Albacete Balompié eliminated Real Madrid with a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Carlos Belmonte stadium on January 14, 2026.

The match marked a nightmare start for new Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed just days earlier following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Albacete took the lead through Javi Villar in the first half. Real Madrid responded late, with young forward Franco Mastantuono equalizing in first-half stoppage time (45+3') and Gonzalo García netting what appeared to be a dramatic equalizer in the 90+1' minute.

However, substitute Jefte Betancor turned the tie on its head for the hosts. He restored Albacete's lead with a goal in the 82nd minute, then delivered the decisive blow with a superb chipped finish over goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in the fifth minute of stoppage time (90+5'), sealing a historic giant-killing.

The result sees Real Madrid crash out of the competition early, adding to recent setbacks for the club amid a turbulent transitional period. Albacete advances to the next round, celebrating one of the biggest upsets in recent Spanish cup history against the 15-time European champions.