From the start of the match, coach Arbeloa seemed to underestimate the opponent. He fielded mostly reserve players, a stark contrast to the Spanish Super Cup final last weekend, with only Vinicius, Federico Valverde, and Dean Huijsen starting from the regular lineup. Real immediately paid the price for their complacency, playing lackadaisically and lacking sharpness in attack. Vinicius, Valverde, and Arda Guler were almost invisible. On the right wing, Franco Mastantuono was a faint shadow compared to Rodrygo.
Albacete, in contrast, were well-organized. The second-division side, ranked 17th out of 22 teams, not only stifled Real's clear opportunities but also launched quick counter-attacks. In the 42nd minute, Javi Villar headed in from a corner kick, rising above Mastantuono to open the scoring.
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Mastantuono (in blue, right) celebrates the equalizer at the end of the first half in Albacete's 3-2 victory over Real in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on the evening of 14/1. *Photo: AS*
Real managed to equalize just before halftime, in the 45+3 minute, avoiding further embarrassment. Mastantuono atoned for his earlier error by tapping the ball into an empty net after Asencio's shot rebounded off goalkeeper Raul Lizoain.
Real's struggles continued after halftime, despite Arbeloa introducing key players like Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga. They squandered a 77% possession advantage, with numerous shots going wide or being blocked.
Albacete, however, remained clinical. In the 81st minute, Jefte Betancor capitalized on a Garcia error, volleying home to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
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Betancor celebrates a goal in Albacete's 3-2 victory over Real in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on the evening of 14/1. *Photo: Reuters*
Falling behind again, Real pressed intensely, eventually finding an equalizer in the 90+1 minute through a Garcia header, making it 2-2. However, a defensive lapse just four minutes later proved costly for Arbeloa's team.
After breaking free and having his initial shot saved, Betancor decisively fired into the far corner, sealing Albacete's 3-2 victory. This result saw Real eliminated from a competition they had reached the final of last season, while Albacete confidently advanced to the quarterfinals.
Thanh Quy
