Real Madrid Exits Cup, Arbeloa Demands Three Player Departures

15 January 2026at22:20

Real Madrid has been eliminated from the Copa del Rey competition by Albacete, following a match played at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.

Following this result, recently appointed coach Álvaro Arbeloa submitted a list of three players he believes should leave due to poor performance. The list included Vinicius, Federico Valverde, and Franco Mastantuono.

Arbeloa indicated that Vinicius is suffering from “a worrying state of performance” and “his recent attitudes.” Valverde, he noted, is facing “a decline in performance” and a loss of “inexhaustible energy.” Regarding Mastantuono, Arbeloa stated that he possesses “serious shortcomings in control and decision-making,” asserting that he “does not possess the minimum required level.”

It is worth noting that Mastantuono and Gonzalo scored two goals for Real Madrid during the aforementioned match. The club's management is currently reviewing Arbeloa's report to consider decisions regarding the upcoming transfer market.

Q&A

Why did Álvaro Arbeloa recommend three Real Madrid players for departure?

Álvaro Arbeloa cited Vinicius's 'worrying performance' and 'recent attitudes,' Valverde's 'decline in performance,' and Mastantuono's 'serious shortcomings' as reasons for his departure recommendations.

What is Real Madrid's stance on Álvaro Arbeloa's player departure recommendations?

Real Madrid's management is currently reviewing coach Arbeloa's detailed report to consider potential decisions regarding the upcoming transfer market.