Arbeloa starts Real Madrid tenure with disastrous Copa del Rey defeat at Albacete

The Guardian – SportWednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:25:50 PM
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Arbeloa starts Real Madrid tenure with disastrous Copa del Rey defeat at Albacete
  • Álvaro Arbeloa's debut as manager of Real Madrid ended in disappointment as the team suffered a 3-2 defeat to Albacete Balompié in the Copa del Rey, with the hosts scoring a dramatic last-minute goal. This loss marks a significant upset, given Albacete's lower league status, and highlights the challenges facing the new manager.
  • The defeat intensifies the scrutiny on Real Madrid, a club where every loss is treated as a crisis. Arbeloa's tenure begins under a cloud, raising questions about his ability to turn around the team's fortunes amidst mounting pressure.
  • This setback is part of a troubling trend for Real Madrid, who have struggled in recent matches, including a series of defeats in La Liga and the Champions League. The team's inconsistent performances have led to increased scrutiny of the coaching staff and the players, reflecting a broader crisis within the club as they seek to reclaim their status among Europe's elite.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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