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A humiliating cup exit and off-pitch drama marked a rocky start to Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as Real Madrid boss.
Disaster from the Start for Arbeloa
Real Madrid’s new era got off to a disastrous start on Wednesday night as second-tier Albacete knocked them out of the Copa del Rey with a dramatic 3-2 win. Alvaro Arbeloa, thrust into the spotlight after Xabi Alonso’s sacking just two days earlier, watched his side unravel in stoppage time.
Despite naming a strong starting XI featuring Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, and Dean Huijsen, Arbeloa couldn’t stop Madrid from crashing out. Albacete took the lead through Javi Villar just before halftime, though Madrid briefly responded with a Franco Mastantuono equaliser seconds before the break.
A chaotic final ten minutes saw Jefte Betancor restore the home side’s lead, Gonzalo Garcia respond for Madrid, and then Betancor strike again in the 94th minute to seal an unlikely victory and spark wild scenes in Albacete.
Dressing Room Tension Looms Large
The shock result comes against the backdrop of locker-room friction that reportedly led to Alonso’s abrupt dismissal. Spanish media claim the former manager had been losing his grip for months, with one fiery training ground exchange seeing him accuse players of behaving like children.
Alonso’s inability to implement his aggressive pressing style, successful at Bayer Leverkusen, reportedly left him frustrated and isolated. According to MARCA, his rift with the squad began long before Sunday’s Super Cup defeat to Barcelona – the loss that ultimately cost him his job.
Players React as Rumors Swirl
Jude Bellingham, never shy of the spotlight, fired back at claims he clashed with Alonso, branding the reports “a load of s***” in a blunt social media post. The England star insisted he’d stayed quiet for too long and criticized the media for spreading “damaging misinformation.”
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe—one of Alonso’s staunchest supporters—shared a farewell message, praising the former coach’s clarity and influence. “It was short but it was a pleasure,” Mbappe wrote, highlighting the strong bond formed during a season where he has already racked up 29 goals.
All Eyes on LaLiga and Europe
With both domestic cup competitions now off the table, Madrid’s season rests on LaLiga and the Champions League. They trail Barcelona by four points and face a tricky European path, sitting seventh in their group with two matches to go.
Arbeloa, who was promoted from the club’s B team, has no margin for error. He inherits a squad that’s fractured, fatigued, and now with only two competitions left to chase. If Wednesday night was any indication, the road ahead could be rougher than expected.
