Álvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as Real Madrid head coach began with disappointment as Los Blancos fell 3–2 to Albacete in a dramatic Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash, marking the first defeat of his senior managerial career.
Handed the reins amid high expectations, the former Real Madrid defender saw his side undone by a spirited Albacete performance and a chaotic finale.
Madrid showed flashes of control, responding to an early deficit and twice fighting back on the scoresheet, but ultimately failed to manage the closing stages of the match.
After going into halftime level at 1–1, Real Madrid briefly took the lead in the second half, only for Albacete to surge back with relentless pressure.
Despite a late equalizer that seemed to push the match toward extra time, Madrid’s defensive structure collapsed in stoppage time, conceding twice in the dying minutes.
The defeat is a sobering moment for Arbeloa, who built his reputation within the club’s youth system and was praised for his tactical discipline and emphasis on intensity.
Speaking after the match, he struck a measured tone, acknowledging the pain of the loss while stressing the need for growth.
While the result raises early questions, club sources remain calm, viewing the setback as part of a broader transition.
For Arbeloa, the challenge now is immediate: restore confidence, tighten defensive concentration, and ensure his first loss does not define the start of his era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
