Real Madrid Stunned by Albacete in Copa del Rey

15 January 2026at20:20

Real Madrid suffered a surprising 3-2 defeat against second-division side Albacete on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey. This match marked the first for new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who took charge following Xabi Alonso's amicable departure.

Following the match, 34-year-old defender Dani Carvajal made strong statements, saying: “We have reached an astonishing low. We must face reality even when we lose, and that is what we must do now. We, the players, are ultimately responsible. A second-division team eliminated us, and we congratulate them on that. Starting tomorrow, we must be self-critical individually and collectively.”

Internally, the defeat was described as “historic,” and the club is currently examining the players’ physical condition. Both Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler faced criticism for their performances against Albacete. Conversely, Florentino Pérez and the management consider Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois to be the only players performing at the required level this season.

Despite this defeat, coach Arbeloa currently retains the administration’s confidence. The team’s upcoming match against Levante, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to be met with fan dissatisfaction.

Q&A

What was the internal reaction at Real Madrid to their Copa del Rey elimination?

Real Madrid's surprising 3-2 loss to second-division Albacete was internally labeled "historic," prompting a club-wide examination of player physical condition and strong statements from veteran Dani Carvajal about collective responsibility.

How did individual player performances factor into Real Madrid's defeat against Albacete?

Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler faced criticism for their displays against Albacete, contrasting with management's view that Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois are the only players consistently performing at the required level this season.

Spanish Segunda Division