Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday as Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as coach ended in humiliation by second-tier opposition.
Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and his side were ousted by Jefte Betancor’s stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium.
Without French superstar Kylian Mbappe and various other key players, Arbeloa’s side struggled against a side currently 17th in Spain’s second division.
Albacete took the lead through Javi Villar, but Franco Mastantuono equalised just before half-time.
Jefte put the hosts back ahead after 82 minutes and then scored the winner after Gonzalo Garcia’s 91st-minute goal looked to have forced extra time for the 15-time European champions.
After Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday against rivals Barcelona, president Florentino Perez replaced Alonso with reserve team coach Arbeloa.
The Spaniard selected two players currently playing in the reserves he led until Monday — holding midfielder Jorge Cestero and right-back David Jimenez.
The first half was mostly played under heavy gloom, not just Madrid’s mood but an intense fog that set in a few minutes into the game.
Vinicius Junior smashed high and wide from long range as neither side produced any clear chances until shortly before half-time, when the hosts took a shock lead.
Villar escaped Mastantuono’s attentions at a corner and nodded Albacete in front after 42 minutes.
Arbeloa’s side levelled before the break through, also capitalising on a corner, with Mastantuono turning home from close range.
Albacete frustrated Madrid after the break and then burst into life in attack to take the lead once more.
Andriy Lunin pushed away an effort from Riki, but shortly afterwards, Jefte put Alberto Gonzalez’s side ahead.
Gonzalo Garcia’s clearance fell to the striker in the box, and he fired down into the ground with the ball bouncing up and flashing past Lunin.
Madrid’s young forward made amends by pulling his team level in stoppage time with a well-placed header.
However, there was a sting in the tale as Jefte produced a sensational finish over Lunin to snatch a famous late victory for Albacete.
AFP
