Overview
- Second-division Albacete knocked out Real Madrid 3-2 with Jefté Betancor’s 94th‑minute winner after the visitors had twice equalised.
- Álvaro Arbeloa’s debut featured a blend of senior players and Castilla prospects following his interim promotion earlier this week.
- Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham were not in the squad, with multiple absences attributed to fitness management and rotation, and several youth call-ups included.
- Xabi Alonso left on Monday after a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona, ending a seven-month spell that followed reports of internal strain.
- Jude Bellingham publicly rejected claims of a rift with Alonso, while Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Alonso and predicted he will secure a top job soon.