Overview
- Real Madrid lost 2-3 away to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16, ending Álvaro Arbeloa’s debut with elimination.
- Spanish and international outlets issued harsh assessments of Real’s display and direction, with added criticism from ex-keeper Santiago Cañizares over leadership choices and star form.
- Gerard Piqué mocked the result with a sarcastic message during Kings League coverage on Twitch, and streamer DjMaRiio read it on air and denounced it as it spread widely online.
- The setback has renewed scrutiny of the club’s decision to elevate Arbeloa over Raúl, a long-groomed academy coach and club legend who was widely seen as a contender.
- Observers note Arbeloa’s Klopp-inspired pressing model could face the same internal resistance that undermined Xabi Alonso’s short tenure.