Real Madrid experienced a significant upset, crashing out of the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to second-division side Albacete. This match marked the 'nightmare' managerial debut for Alvaro Arbeloa, who took charge of the senior team just days before. Arbeloa's appointment came swiftly after Real Madrid parted ways with former head coach Xabi Alonso on January 12, 2026, following a turbulent tenure that included a loss in the Spanish Super Cup final. The game, played at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte, saw Albacete take the lead twice, with Javi Villar scoring in the first half and Jefte Betancor adding another in the 82nd minute. Real Madrid managed to equalize on both occasions, with Franco Mastantuono scoring just before halftime and Gonzalo Garcia finding the net in stoppage time, seemingly forcing extra time. However, Jefte Betancor sealed Albacete's memorable victory with a second goal in the 94th minute, sending Real Madrid out of the competition. Arbeloa, who previously coached Real Madrid's youth teams, opted to rest several key first-team players, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Thibaut Courtois, while integrating five academy youngsters into the squad. Despite this, the defeat to a team struggling in Spain's second division is being widely considered an embarrassing blow for the prestigious club. Arbeloa acknowledged the pain of the defeat, stating that "every defeat is a tragedy" at Real Madrid. The event has intensified scrutiny on the club's performance after Alonso's departure.