Overview
- Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. GMT) at Estadio Carlos Belmonte, with U.S. streaming on ESPN+ and UK coverage on Premier Sports 2.
- Arbeloa’s traveling list includes five academy players, with Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Antonio Rüdiger not selected.
- Under RFEF rules, top-flight clubs drawn against lower-division opponents before the semifinals play away, giving Segunda side Albacete home advantage at their 17,500-capacity ground.
- Centre-back Éder Militão is expected to be sidelined until April due to a torn hamstring.
- Albacete reached the last 16 by eliminating Celta Vigo on penalties after a 94th-minute equalizer, while Madrid enter as clear favorites with Arbeloa stepping in following Xabi Alonso’s exit after the Super Cup final.