Coach Alvaro Arbelo’s debut on the Real Madrid bench did not go well. The “White Ballet” was surprisingly not enough in Wednesday’s round of 16 of the Spanish Cup against the second-division Albacete Balompie, who lost 2:3 on its turf and bid farewell to the competition.
Albacete is in 17th place in the second Spanish league.
During the match, the favorite was constantly closing in on the lead of the opponent. In the first minute of added time, Gonzalo Garcia tied the game at 2:2, but in the fourth minute of added time, forward Jefte Bentacor decided the sensational triumph of the 17th team of La Liga 2.
VIDEO: Albacete’s winning goal
The home team protested especially at the first goal, which was scored after the notified portion of added time had expired. However, it was of no use to them at that moment, the referees rejected their complaints.
The 20-time Copa del Rey winner was missing striker Kylian Mbappe, who was rested by Arbeloa. The Spanish coach replaced Xabi Alonso on Monday.
Arbeloa opted for two youngsters as he deployed David Jiménez at right-back, his natural position, and moved Valverde into midfield.
On the other hand, Cestero, one of the players Arbeloa respects the most, started as a defensive midfielder.
Although Vinícius was the main character at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, it was not so much because of his play, but rather because he had the entire home crowd against him practically from the moment he arrived in Albacete.
Throughout the match, the weather complicated the spectator experience, as thick fog covered the stadium.
VIDEO: Albacete players celebrate after the triumph over Real
Real Madrid lost the ability to fight for two trophies in the space of three days when they lost the El Clásico to Barcelona on Sunday, who lifted the Spanish Super Cup.
On Saturday, Arbeloa will experience his home debut as head coach of los blancos, when the white ballet welcome second-to-last Levante in La Liga.
