Second-division Albacete has knocked Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey with a stunning 3–2 home win.
Real Madrid crashed out of the cup in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first game in charge. He rested stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois. He trusted academy players instead.
Albacete struck first just before half-time. Javi Villar headed in from a corner. Teenager Franco Mastantuono quickly equalised for Madrid.
The game stayed tight after the break. Arbeloa sent on senior players to chase a winner. But Albacete finished stronger.
Substitute Jefte Betancor scored twice late on. Gonzalo Garcia briefly levelled, but it was not enough.
Albacete sealed a famous win. Madrid suffered a humiliating exit.
