Copa del Rey 2025-26: Albacete Stun Real Madrid in Sensational 3-2 Upset
In one of the most stunning upsets of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, second-division side Albacete Balompié knocked out European heavyweights Real Madrid with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday night at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte. The historic win not only secured Albacete’s place in the quarterfinals but also marked one of the most unforgettable nights in the club’s history.
The Real Madrid vs Albacete Copa del Rey clash unfolded in dramatic conditions, with dense fog swirling across the pitch and a charged atmosphere created by Albacete’s passionate home supporters. Real Madrid, navigating a turbulent phase marked by managerial instability, had appointed former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as interim head coach just days earlier following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa opted to rotate his squad, handing opportunities to fringe and reserve players while resting several first-team regulars ahead of crucial La Liga fixtures.
Albacete seized the initiative late in the first half, taking the lead in the 42nd minute through Javi Villar, whose powerful near-post header beat stand-in goalkeeper Andriy Lunin after a well-delivered corner. The advantage proved short-lived, as Real Madrid responded before halftime. Vinícius Jr. won a crucial corner, and although Albacete goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain produced a strong save to deny Dean Huijsen’s header, Franco Mastantuono reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and level the score.
The second half of this Copa del Rey upset was tense and closely contested. Real Madrid dominated possession but struggled to break down Albacete’s disciplined defensive structure. In the 82nd minute, the hosts regained the lead when Jefté Betancor found space inside the penalty area and volleyed home after Madrid failed to clear their lines from a set piece. Real pressed hard for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Gonzalo García rose highest to head in from an Arda Güler corner, making it 2-2 and seemingly forcing extra time.
However, the drama was far from over. Deep into added time, Albacete intercepted the ball on the counter-attack, and Betancor made no mistake, his initial shot was blocked by defender Dani Carvajal, but he reacted swiftly, rifling the rebound into the top corner to spark wild celebrations among the home crowd. The late winner completed his brace and sealed one of the most remarkable results in the club’s history.
Off the pitch, the fixture was overshadowed by racist chants directed at Vinícius Jr. before kickoff, a troubling reminder of the ongoing battle against discrimination in football. Despite condemnation from various quarters, such incidents continue to mar major fixtures.
After the final whistle, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal openly expressed his disappointment, admitting that elimination by a lower-division side was difficult to accept. Meanwhile, Albacete and their supporters celebrated a famous Copa del Rey victory that will live long in the club’s folklore.
The Real Madrid vs Albacete Copa del Rey clash unfolded in dramatic conditions, with dense fog swirling across the pitch and a charged atmosphere created by Albacete’s passionate home supporters. Real Madrid, navigating a turbulent phase marked by managerial instability, had appointed former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as interim head coach just days earlier following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa opted to rotate his squad, handing opportunities to fringe and reserve players while resting several first-team regulars ahead of crucial La Liga fixtures.
Albacete seized the initiative late in the first half, taking the lead in the 42nd minute through Javi Villar, whose powerful near-post header beat stand-in goalkeeper Andriy Lunin after a well-delivered corner. The advantage proved short-lived, as Real Madrid responded before halftime. Vinícius Jr. won a crucial corner, and although Albacete goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain produced a strong save to deny Dean Huijsen’s header, Franco Mastantuono reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and level the score.
The second half of this Copa del Rey upset was tense and closely contested. Real Madrid dominated possession but struggled to break down Albacete’s disciplined defensive structure. In the 82nd minute, the hosts regained the lead when Jefté Betancor found space inside the penalty area and volleyed home after Madrid failed to clear their lines from a set piece. Real pressed hard for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Gonzalo García rose highest to head in from an Arda Güler corner, making it 2-2 and seemingly forcing extra time.
However, the drama was far from over. Deep into added time, Albacete intercepted the ball on the counter-attack, and Betancor made no mistake, his initial shot was blocked by defender Dani Carvajal, but he reacted swiftly, rifling the rebound into the top corner to spark wild celebrations among the home crowd. The late winner completed his brace and sealed one of the most remarkable results in the club’s history.
Off the pitch, the fixture was overshadowed by racist chants directed at Vinícius Jr. before kickoff, a troubling reminder of the ongoing battle against discrimination in football. Despite condemnation from various quarters, such incidents continue to mar major fixtures.
After the final whistle, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal openly expressed his disappointment, admitting that elimination by a lower-division side was difficult to accept. Meanwhile, Albacete and their supporters celebrated a famous Copa del Rey victory that will live long in the club’s folklore.
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