Real Madrid sensationally exited the Spanish Cup in a match against Albacete

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On January 14, 2026, the ⅛ finals of the 2025-2026 Copa del Rey took place. Real Madrid and Albacete faced off on the field. Fans could watch the match broadcast on the 1xBet Sri Lanka portal and make their predictions on the outcome. Since January 2026, Alvaro Arbeloa has been the head coach of Real Madrid, replacing Xabi Alonso. His experience is mostly with youth teams, but now he has a chance to try his hand at the “adult” category. 

In the match against the representative of the Spanish second division, the favorite was obvious. However, things did not turn out as expected. The slow play of the “Galácticos” made Albacete realize that they could take the initiative and score themselves. In the 42nd minute, the hosts did just that. Villar converted a corner kick with a header into the top corner – 1:0. Lunin was powerless. Real Madrid equalized in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half thanks to Mastantuono, who successfully scored on the rebound – 1:1.

The mood in the second half remained unchanged. Bettors from Sri Lanka expected the visitors to come out fired up for victory after the break and used this in their 1xBet bets on the result. However, the team conceded again. In the 82nd minute, Jefté put the hosts ahead with a shot into the near corner – 2:1. Real had to fight back in the 90+1st minute. Gonzalo finished off a pass from Güler to make it 2-2. In the 90+5th minute, Jefté beat Lunin with his second attempt, and Albacete won – 3–2.  

Strengths of Albacete FC

The elimination of the Blancos from the round of 16 paved the way for Albacete’s victory. It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the defeat of the “Galácticos”: was it a lack of focus or poor coaching? However, the fact remains that the Castilians snatched victory from the virtually unbeatable Blancos. The game was tense, so bettors could take a little break by playing 1xBet slot at the online casino. As for Albacete’s strengths, the following stand out:

  • team cohesion;
  • competent tactics;
  • high dedication;
  • realization of opportunities.

Albacete also skillfully adapts to its opponents, playing effectively both in defense and on counterattacks. Of course, few people could have predicted such an outcome. By the way, bettors who placed bets on this match through 1xBet could also try their luck at the slot, where analysis and a well-thought-out approach are also required. However, fans believe that their team will win the trophy again. After all, the squad of each team consists of strong and experienced players with many matches behind them.