Real Madrid suffered a stunning 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat to second-tier Albacete in Álvaro Arbeloa's first match as caretaker coach. A 94th-minute winner from Jefte Betancor sealed the upset after Madrid had already rested key stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé for the tie.

Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso just 24 hours earlier, refused to regret his lineup choices despite the humiliating exit. He took full responsibility for the loss, calling it 'painful' for a club where even draws are considered failures. The heavy rotation signaled his intent to manage minutes ahead of a crucial LaLiga schedule.

This marks Madrid's second trophy exit in days, following their Spanish Supercopa loss to Barcelona. Captain Dani Carvajal admitted the squad hit 'rock bottom.' With LaLiga still within reach, Arbeloa faces immediate pressure to steady the ship and prove this early setback isn't a sign of deeper turmoil.