Real Madrid Crashes Out of Copa del Rey to Second Division Side!

Substitute Gifti Betancor scored a brace to lead second-division side Albacete to a thrilling 3-2 victory over giants Real Madrid on Wednesday, knocking them out of the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16.

The match marked Álvaro Arbeloa's first in charge of Real Madrid, following Xabi Alonso's departure.

On a foggy night at the Carlos Belmonte stadium, an enthusiastic crowd of 17,000 spectators created an intense atmosphere as Albacete surprised their esteemed European opponents.

Former Real Madrid defender Arbeloa opted for a largely reserve squad, who struggled to assert themselves against their modest opponents. Thick fog also obscured large parts of the pitch, adding to the drama.

The hosts took the lead in the 42nd minute after a period of pressure. José Lazo delivered a dangerous corner kick that found Javier Villar at the near post, with the defender rising high to head the ball past Real Madrid's substitute goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, igniting the home crowd.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as the Royal club responded before halftime with a goal from Franco Mastantuono.

Albacete regained the lead in the 82nd minute when an unmarked Betancor struck powerfully towards the far post.

Real Madrid thought they had salvaged the game in injury time when Gonzalo García rose to meet a cross from Güler, scoring a superb header to level the score at 2-2.

However, as the visitors pushed for a winning goal in the dying minutes, they left themselves exposed defensively.

Four minutes into added time, Betancor launched a counter-attack. Dani Carvajal blocked his initial attempt, but the striker remained composed, recovered the rebound, and unleashed a brilliant right-footed shot into the top corner, securing a stunning victory for the home side.