Real Madrid collapses against a second-division team: A disastrous 2-3 defeat and 3 gaps in the post-Xabi Alonso era.
The 2-3 defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey was not only a shock in terms of the scoreline but also exposed the personnel crisis and the tactical problems of Real Madrid under Alvaro Arbeloa.
Last night, the Carlos Belmonte Stadium witnessed one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid, the giant of world football, had to bow out of the tournament after a 2-3 defeat against Albacete – a team languishing in 17th place in La Liga 2. Despite possessing a superior squad and twice the expected goals (xG) of their opponents, coach Alvaro Arbeloa's team still suffered a bitter defeat.
A disorganized defense and a lack of effectiveness in set-piece situations.
The first and most direct reason is the unbelievable decline in the defensive system. Real Madrid conceded three goals, including Villar's opening goal in the 42nd minute from a corner kick. Statistics show that Los Blancos have conceded three goals in the last 15 minutes of matches in this season's Copa del Rey – the worst record in the tournament, raising concerns about the players' ability to maintain concentration.
The lack of concentration was most evident in Jefte Betancor's decisive goal in the 94th minute. Just three minutes after Gonzalo Garcia's dramatic 2-2 equalizer, Real's defense again left huge gaps, allowing Betancor to comfortably dribble and curl a shot past Andrii Lunin. The absence of key players and the lack of cohesion among substitutes like Raul Asencio and David Jimenez turned Real's defense into a gift for second-division strikers.
The lack of effectiveness from the star players and the deadlock in the gameplay.
Despite controlling possession for nearly 80% of the second half, Real Madrid were utterly ineffective in finding a way past Raul Lizoain's goal. The biggest negative highlight on the pitch was Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian star had a disastrous night, losing possession 19 times – more than any other player on the field. His shots were frequently inaccurate or flew straight into the stands, revealing his impatience and severe lack of touch.
While young players like Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia tried to score goals to rekindle hope, experienced stars like Federico Valverde failed to make the necessary difference in midfield. Real Madrid's ball circulation was too slow, lacking incisive passes, making it easy for Albacete's deep-lying defense to anticipate their moves. The reliance on Arda Guler's individual efforts was insufficient to compensate for a malfunctioning attacking system.
Negative effects of the crisis on the coaching bench.
This defeat is inseparable from the chaotic situation at the top of the Bernabeu. The sacking of Xabi Alonso immediately after the Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, just days before this match, dealt a heavy blow to the players' morale. Alvaro Arbeloa was put in a difficult position, having to take over a team that was demoralized and riddled with inconsistencies. The coaching staff's decision to rotate the squad excessively, making six changes compared to the Super Cup final, completely backfired.
Real Madrid entered the match lacking identity and a clear tactical plan. Their struggles to control the tempo after equalizing at 1-1 and then 2-2 revealed a team lacking a true leader on the bench to maintain composure. The defeat against Albacete was not just an accident, but the inevitable result of a series of mistakes in personnel management and the timing of crucial decisions by Real Madrid's owners.
