MADRID: Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday as Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as coach ended in humiliation by second-tier opposition. Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and his side were ousted by Jefte Betancor’s stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium. Without French superstar Kylian Mbappe and various other key players, Arbeloa’s side struggled against a side currently 17th in Spain’s second division. Albacete took the lead through Javi Villar but Franco Mastantuono equalized just before half-time.

El técnico sale del banquillo menos de 24 horas después de perder la final de la Supercopa contra el Barça y siete meses después de ser contratado

El Real Madrid ha decidido prescindir de Xabi Alonso y ha elegido a Álvaro Arbeloa, técnico del Real Madrid Castilla, para tomar las riendas.