Overview
- Second-tier Albacete, sitting 17th in the Segunda División, beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the round of 16 on January 14.
- Jefté Betancor scored a brace, including a stoppage-time winner after Gonzalo García had briefly made it 2-2.
- The game was Álvaro Arbeloa’s first after replacing Xabi Alonso earlier in the week, and he said he was fully responsible for the loss.
- Despite about 78% possession, Madrid conceded twice late, underlining defensive lapses in game management.
- Thibaut Courtois posted video of racist chants targeting Vinícius Jr., and Cadena SER reported the club is already sounding out coaching alternatives ahead of the Levante match.