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. After Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday against rivals Barcelona, president Florentino Perez replaced Alonso with reserve team coach Arbeloa. - Jefte's double -Albacete frustrated Madrid after the break and then burst into life in attack to take the lead once more. "I'm not afraid of failure, I can understand that someone would want to call this defeat that," added Arbeloa.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 15, 2026 06:09 UTC