The Alvaro Arbeloa era at Real Madrid has begun with a catastrophe. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-21)In a shock result that has sent tremors through Spanish football, the European giants were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by second-division strugglers Albacete, losing 3-2 in a chaotic extra-time thriller.

Appointed just days ago to replace the sacked Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa’s decision to field a weakened side backfired spectacularly. Without Kylian Mbappé or Jude Bellingham, Madrid lacked their usual swagger. Albacete, sensing blood, played the game of their lives, with Jefte Betancor scoring a stoppage-time winner that sparked a pitch invasion at the foggy Carlos Belmonte stadium.

"A Tragedy"

"At this club, a draw is a crisis. A defeat like this is a tragedy," a shell-shocked Arbeloa admitted post-match. "I take full responsibility. I chose the lineup." The manager had hoped to rest key stars for the La Liga campaign, but the gamble has cost Madrid their first shot at silverware this season.

• The Goals: Madrid twice came from behind, with youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia finding the net. But defensive frailties—a recurring theme this season—allowed Albacete to snatch victory from the jaws of a penalty shootout.
• Fan Fury: The loss heaps immediate pressure on Arbeloa. Real Madrid fans are notoriously unforgiving, and losing to a team 17th in the Segunda Division is an unforgivable sin. The honeymoon period is over before it even began.