Albacete will be looking to cause an upset when they host Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey last-16 clash on Wednesday, aiming to pull off what would be one of the most remarkable victories in the club’s recent history.
Softfootball reported that the Segunda Division side, currently 17th in the league, have been impressive in this season’s cup, dispatching San Fernando 3-0 and Leganes 2-1, before overcoming Celta Vigo on penalties in the previous round.
Albacete, under Alberto Gonzalez, have struggled domestically, picking up just 24 points from 21 matches, but their cup form has given the squad a boost.
They will hope home advantage plays a key role against Los Blancos, especially after a goalless draw with Real Sociedad B in their last league outing.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, come into this fixture off the back of their Spanish Super Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia, where they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi-finals but lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the final.
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Softfootball reported that the defeat to Barcelona marked the end of Carlo Alonso’s tenure, with Alvaro Arbeloa stepping in as head coach for his first match in charge. Real Madrid also shared a video on their X handle showcasing the team’s preparations ahead of their clash against Albacete.
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Despite the managerial change, Real Madrid remain in contention on multiple fronts, sitting second in La Liga and still chasing Champions League success, though the Copa del Rey sits as their third priority.
The last round saw Los Blancos edge past CF Talavera 3-2, in a match that highlighted their attacking depth, with Bellingham and Mbappé firing Real Madrid to 2-0 win against Sevilla earlier in the season further boosting confidence.
Historically, Real Madrid have never lost to Albacete in 14 previous meetings, their last encounter dating back to April 2005, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the capital side. This unbeaten record will be a psychological edge heading into the clash.
Team News
Albacete head coach Gonzalez is expected to stick with a similar starting XI that faced Celta Vigo, as no major injuries have been reported from their league match against Real Sociedad B.
Antonio Puertas, who has scored seven goals this season, and Jefte Betancor, who leads the line with five, will be key threats for the hosts.
For Real Madrid, several first-team players will miss the clash. Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring), Brahim Diaz (AFCON), and Ferland Mendy (hamstring) are definitely out.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde need fitness assessments, and Dean Huijsen may be a late decision due to recent injury concerns.
Kylian Mbappe returned from a knee issue as a substitute against Barcelona but is unlikely to start. Arbeloa is expected to rotate heavily, giving opportunities to Dani Carvajal, Thiago Pitarch, Franco Mastantuono, and Dani Ceballos.
Possible Lineups
Albacete possible starting lineup:
Lizoain; Lorenzo, Moreno, Villar, Neva, Jogo; Puertas, Capi, Melendez, Valverde; Betancor
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Alaba, Carreras, F Garcia; Guler, Ceballos, Pitarch; Rodrygo, G Garcia, Mastantuono
Prediction
Albacete will aim to exploit any fatigue from Real Madrid’s Super Cup campaign, but the quality and depth of Los Blancos should see them through to the quarter-finals. Look for Arbeloa’s men to assert themselves over the course of the match and secure progression, just as they did in their previous narrow win against CF Talavera 3-2 in Copa del Rey thriller.
Where to watch
The match can be followed live on ESPN and streamed via the ESPN App.
