Real Madrid's Copa del Rey Nightmare: Arbeloa Accepts Full Responsibility
Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as Real Madrid head coach turned into a shocking nightmare. The LaLiga giants suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to second-division club Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday. This unexpected exit marks a disastrous start to Arbeloa's reign at the prestigious club.
A Tragic Defeat Against Lower-League Opponents
Arbeloa did not mince words after the match. He stated clearly, "At Real Madrid, even a draw is bad, a tragedy. Imagine a defeat like this, especially against a lower-division opponent." The coach took full blame for the loss, emphasizing his role in all key decisions.
Arbeloa explained, "If anyone is responsible, it's me. I made the choices about the lineup, our playing style, and the substitutions." He thanked the players for their welcome but acknowledged the need for recovery both physically and mentally.
Albacete's Dramatic Victory Seals Real Madrid's Fate
Albacete, currently struggling in 17th place in the second division, delivered a stunning performance. The match seemed headed for extra time after Gonzalo García scored a late equalizer for Real Madrid, making it 2-2 in added time.
However, Jefté Betancor struck a dagger into Real Madrid's heart just four minutes into stoppage time. His goal secured a historic 3-2 win for Albacete, eliminating the giants from the competition. This victory marks the first time Albacete has ever beaten Real Madrid, sparking wild celebrations among their fans.
Controversial Squad Selection Draws Criticism
Arbeloa faced significant backlash for his team selection. He opted to rest top stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Rodrygo, instead fielding some B-team players. This decision raised eyebrows, especially as key players like Vinícius Júnior struggled to make an impact during the game.
Despite the criticism, Arbeloa expressed no regrets. He asserted, "I was convinced that the squad was the right one. It was a great team, both the starting lineup and the bench." He recognized the challenge for players to adapt quickly to a new coach's demands in just one day.
Arbeloa's Perspective on Failure and Future Improvement
In his post-match comments, Arbeloa reflected on the nature of failure. He said, "I'm not afraid of failure. If you want to call it that, I understand fully. But failure is on the road to success, not in opposite directions."
He emphasized that this defeat would serve as a learning experience. Arbeloa added, "This defeat will make me better and it will make us all better. It's a starting point with a lot of room for improvement." He mentioned having faced worse cup eliminations in his life and looked forward to returning to training with dedication for the upcoming match on Saturday.
The shock exit from the Copa del Rey places immense pressure on Arbeloa early in his tenure. Real Madrid fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team responds in future games.
