Nothing works for Real Madrid as Cup exit fuels growing crisis

A night shaped by fog and nerves

The evening at the Carlos Belmonte began under thick fog and ended with a result that amplified Real Madrid’s growing instability. The 3,2 defeat to Albacete eliminated the holders from the Copa del Rey and overshadowed Álvaro Arbeloa’s debut as head coach.

According to AS, Arbeloa opted for heavy rotation, combining squad players and academy graduates, while Albacete also rested several starters because of their league situation. With numerous absences in the Madrid squad, the match offered little room for error.

Early control without danger

Real Madrid set up in a 4,3,3 formation, with Jorge Cestero acting as a reference point in the build up. The visitors attempted to press higher than in recent matches, but the approach lacked continuity.

According to Marca, Madrid dominated possession early on but failed to generate sustained threat. Albacete stayed compact, closed passing lanes effectively and paid particular attention to Vinícius Júnior, limiting his impact.

Read also: Why does the Spanish Super Cup take place in Saudi Arabia?

Set pieces tilt the balance

The match progressed at a slow pace with few clear chances. AS noted that Lorenzo Aguado, a former Real Madrid academy player, defended Vinícius with discipline, while Franco Mastantuono struggled to find space in advanced areas.

Albacete took the lead shortly before halftime when Javi Villar headed in from a corner to make it 1,0. The response came in added time. After another set piece, Raúl Lizoain pushed away a header and Mastantuono reacted quickest to score the equaliser, sending the teams in level at 1,1.

Momentum swings after the break

Real Madrid returned with more intensity after the interval and increased Vinícius’ involvement, while Albacete coach Alberto González refreshed his side through substitutions.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arbeloa also looked to change the dynamic by introducing David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga, with Camavinga deployed at left back. Despite spending long spells around the penalty area, Madrid struggled to disrupt Albacete’s defensive structure.

Read also: Axelsen’s ranking slide raises alarm

Jefté delivers the decisive blows

The breakthrough arrived in the 82nd minute when Jefté struck a clean volley to restore Albacete’s lead. According to AS, the goal followed a strong save by Andriy Lunin moments earlier, leaving the goalkeeper exposed on the rebound phase.

Real Madrid again turned to set pieces and found an equaliser in stoppage time when Gonzalo García headed in from a corner to make it 2,2.

Any hope of recovery was short lived. In the 94th minute, Jefté completed his double on the counter attack, sealing a 3,2 victory and eliminating Real Madrid from the competition.

A defeat that deepens the unrest

The result marks a damaging start for Arbeloa and reinforces concerns that extend beyond the dugout. For Albacete, it was a historic Cup night. For Real Madrid, it was another reminder that the club’s problems remain unresolved.

Read also: Arbeloa had to console Real Madrid players after exit: No player took accountability

Sources: AS, Marca, Mundo Deportivo, Sport

Read also: VAR puts offside back under scrutiny as Wenger proposal returns