Real Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second division Albacete in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game in charge.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender rested Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham before Saturday’s La Liga game against Levante.
Arbeloa defended his decision to rest the quartet and select academy players Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez, as he insisted he “brought a team capable of winning”.
“If anyone is responsible and to blame for this outcome, it’s clearly me – the one who made the decisions regarding the line-up, how we wanted to play, the substitutions,” said Arbeloa.
“I’m not afraid of failure. I understand anyone who wants to describe this defeat as a failure. Failure is part of the road to success.
“It will make me better, and it will make us all better. I’ve endured defeats harder than this one. We’ll prepare for the next match with maximum dedication.”
Albacete took the lead in the 42nd minute when defender Javi Villar headed Jose Lazo’s corner past Andriy Lunin.
Madrid responded in first-half stoppage time through Franco Mastantuono, but the hosts stunned Real late on.
Substitute Jefte Betancor struck twice in the final eight minutes, the second coming in the last minute of the match, either side of Gonzalo Garcia’s equaliser, to secure the Segunda side’s place in the quarter-finals of the competition with a first victory over the 15-time Champions League winners.
Arbeloa was named Real Madrid manager after Xabi Alonso departed the club by mutual consent on Monday.
But the former Spain international was unable to halt the club’s recent slump just days after the Spanish Super Cup defeat by Barcelona.
Despite dominating possession – enjoying almost 80% of the ball and registering five shots in the first 42 minutes – the La Liga side found themselves behind when Villar climbed highest to head home a corner.
Madrid responded swiftly and were level within six minutes, with 18-year-old Mastantuono converting from close range after a mistake from goalkeeper Raul Lizoain.
There was little to separate the sides after half-time, prompting Arbeloa to introduce four substitutes – including David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga and Daniel Carvajal – as Real searched for a winner.
However, it was Albacete boss Alberto Gonzalez whose changes proved decisive as Bentancor netted either side of Garcia’s effort to seal a historic victory for the home side.
This is an absolute nightmare for Real Madrid, and there is no one it reflects more harshly on than Arbeloa.
The result, against a side sitting 17th in Spain’s second division, is so staggering it feels almost fictional.
For a club that measures success in trophies and dominance, losing will not just be embarrassing for supporters but will be deeply concerning.
Many fans I have spoke to since Arbeloa’s appointment were openly perplexed by the decision.
There were questions about his senior coaching experience, and whether club loyalty had outweighed a strategic appointment.
This defeat only serves to amplify those doubts. Instead of opening his tenure with confidence and results, Arbeloa’s reign has begun in bewilderment and frustration.
Whatever patience Arbeloa might have hoped Madridistas would give him has eroded instantly.
