The Digest:
Real Madrid’s first match under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa ended in a stunning 3-2 defeat to second-tier Albacete, crashing out of the Copa del Rey just days after sacking Xabi Alonso
Key Points:
- Real Madrid lost 3-2 to second-division Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
- The defeat marked Alvaro Arbeloa's disastrous first match as head coach.
- Madrid twice equalized late, only to concede a winner in stoppage time.
- Stars like Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde started but failed to prevent the upset.
- The loss follows Xabi Alonso's sacking after a Super Cup defeat to Barcelona.
- Jude Bellingham publicly denied fallout rumors with Alonso in a social media post.
- Kylian Mbappe posted a heartfelt tribute to the departed manager.
Source: Goal, BBC Sports
