### Real Madrid's Shocking Copa del Rey Exit: A New Era Begins with a Stumble Real Madrid faced a significant setback in their Copa del Rey campaign, suffering a surprising 3-2 defeat to second-division club Albacete. This match marked the managerial debut of Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The loss not only eliminated Madrid from the tournament but also highlighted ongoing issues within the team, raising questions about their current form and strategy. Arbeloa, who previously managed the club's B team, accepted full responsibility for the defeat, emphasizing his commitment to learning from this experience and improving the squad moving forward [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/blame-me-says-arbeloa-as-real-madrid-crash-out-of-copa-del-rey]. ### Breakdown of the Event: Key Segments 1. **Match Overview**: - Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16. - The match took place on January 14, 2026, marking Arbeloa's first game as head coach. 2. **Managerial Context**: - Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed after a tumultuous tenure. - The defeat raises concerns about the team's direction under new management. 3. **Player Decisions**: - Arbeloa opted to rest key players, including Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois, which drew criticism. - The decision to rotate the squad may have contributed to the team's lack of cohesion during the match. 4. **Post-Match Reactions**: - Arbeloa took full responsibility for the loss, stating, "I am the guilty one" [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/copa-del-rey/articles/i-am-the-guilty-one--arbeloa-takes-full-responsibility-for-stunning-real-madrid-defeat-2026-01-15]. - The defeat sparked discussions about the need for immediate improvements within the squad. ### Supporting Evidence: Match Statistics and Reactions - **Match Statistics**: - Final Score: Real Madrid 2 - 3 Albacete - Key Players: Jefte Betancor scored twice for Albacete, including the last-minute winner [https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-copa-del-rey-upset-da8f9140577e2ae24a427d3fe22572a8]. - Madrid's goals came from Gonzalo García, who equalized late in the match before Albacete's decisive goal. - **Managerial Impact**: - Arbeloa's debut was characterized by tactical missteps and a lack of preparation, leading to a historic upset for the club [https://www.firstpost.com/sports/football-news/read-madrid-albacete-copa-del-rey-alvaro-arbeloa-horror-managerial-debut-13968821.html]. ### Conclusion: A Tumultuous Start for Arbeloa 1. **Immediate Consequences**: - Real Madrid's exit from the Copa del Rey marks a significant low point in their season, raising questions about the team's future under Arbeloa's leadership. 2. **Managerial Responsibility**: - Arbeloa's acceptance of blame indicates a willingness to take charge and learn from mistakes, which could be crucial for his development as a coach. 3. **Future Outlook**: - The club must reassess its strategy and player management to avoid further disappointments, as they navigate a challenging season ahead [https://www.latestly.com/quickly/sports/copa-del-rey-2025-26-real-madrid-knocked-out-of-spanish-cup-by-second-division-club-albacete-7276080.html]. In summary, Real Madrid's shocking defeat to Albacete not only signifies a rough start for Álvaro Arbeloa but also underscores the pressing need for the club to regroup and refocus as they face the remainder of the season.