Real Madrid exit Copa del Rey after shock Albacete loss

The match, played at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, marked a disappointing first game in charge for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed earlier this week following Xabi Alonso's dismissal. Albacete secured a historic victory with a stoppage-time winner from Giefte Bentancur, who struck in the 90+4 minute after having already given his side the lead earlier in the second half.

Fog, rotation and costly errors

Real Madrid, missing several first-team regulars, including Kylian Mbappé, struggled throughout the encounter. Goals from Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo García were not enough to prevent elimination, despite a late equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Coaching change follows Super Cup loss

The defeat came days after Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final to rivals Barcelona, prompting president Florentino Pérez to turn to Arbeloa.