January 15, (THEWILL) — Second-tier Albacete pulled off a stunning Copa del Rey upset, defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the round of 16 at Estadio Carlos Belmonte. Jefte Betancor struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable victory for the hosts, who sit 17th in LaLiga 2.
The defeat marked Alvaro Arbeloa’s first match in charge of Los Blancos following Xabi Alonso’s departure earlier this week. Javi Villar opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, heading in from Jose Carlos Lazo’s corner after Madrid failed to clear.
Franco Mastantuono levelled matters in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, tucking away from close range after Raul Lizoain denied Dean Huijsen’s header. Betancor restored the lead in the 82nd minute, volleying home following another corner that the visitors could not deal with.
Gonzalo Garcia appeared to have salvaged a replay when he nodded in Arda Guler’s set piece in the first minute of stoppage time. However, Betancor had the final say three minutes later, sweeping home the rebound after Dani Carvajal blocked his initial effort.
The result sends Alberto Gonzalez’s side through to the next round, whilst Madrid exit the competition at the first hurdle under their new manager. Albacete, positioned 35 places below their opponents in the Spanish football pyramid, held their nerve to claim a famous scalp.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
