Albacete Vs Real Madrid: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
| Time | 01:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Estadio Carlos Belmonte |
| Competition | Copa del Rey (Round of 16) |
🏟️ Arbeloa's Debut: Real Madrid Face Albacete in High-Stakes Cup Clash
Real Madrid enters a new era tonight as Álvaro Arbeloa takes charge for the first time following the sudden departure of Xabi Alonso. The managerial shake-up comes just 48 hours after a bruising 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. Los Blancos travel to the Carlos Belmonte looking to avoid a major upset against a resilient Albacete side that has already claimed the scalp of Celta Vigo in the previous round.
Albacete, currently fighting for stability in the second division, will see this as a historic opportunity. Led by Alberto González, "El Queso Mecánico" will rely on the home crowd and a defensive setup centered around former Real Madrid man Jesús Vallejo. For the visitors, the pressure is immense; a Round of 16 exit would be deemed a disaster for Arbeloa’s first game in the dugout.
- Event: Copa del Rey Round of 16
- Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 (IST)
- Time: 01:30 AM IST
- Venue: Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete
- Context: A single-leg knockout tie where the winner advances to the Quarter-finals.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Albacete (Coach: Alberto González, Form: D L D W L)
Albacete has struggled for consistency in La Liga 2, sitting just one point above the relegation zone. However, their cup form tells a different story. Their dramatic penalty shootout win over Celta Vigo proved they can handle top-flight pressure. They will likely adopt a low block, hoping to frustrate a Madrid side that might still be reeling from their Supercopa disappointment.
Real Madrid (Coach: Álvaro Arbeloa, Form: L W W W L)
Real Madrid’s form has been erratic, culminating in the loss to Barcelona that cost Alonso his job. Arbeloa is expected to return to a more traditional 4-3-3. With Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo carrying minor knocks, the new manager will likely look to the club's emerging talents and veteran leadership to navigate this tricky away fixture.
⭐ Key Players
- Albacete: Jesús Vallejo (Defender) - The former Madrid center-back knows the visitors better than anyone and was the hero in the last round.
- Albacete: Jefté Betancor (Forward) - His physicality will be tested against Madrid's makeshift defense, and he remains their primary goal threat.
- Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior (Forward) - In the absence of other regular starters, the Brazilian will be the focal point of the attack.
- Real Madrid: Franco Mastantuono (Midfielder) - The teenage sensation is expected to start on the right wing and provide the creative spark needed to break down a deep defense.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Managerial Impact: How quickly can Arbeloa implement his ideas? With only one training session, Madrid will rely on individual quality over tactical complexity.
- The Right Flank: Real Madrid’s David Jiménez is poised for a start at right-back; Albacete will target the youngster to create crossing opportunities for Betancor.
- Set Pieces: Albacete will look to capitalize on dead-ball situations, an area where Real Madrid has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
While cup upsets are the soul of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid’s squad depth should be enough to see them through. Arbeloa will likely prioritize a clean sheet and control over flair in his debut. Albacete will make it difficult for 60 minutes, but the quality of Vini Jr and Bellingham should eventually tell.
Predicted Score: Albacete 0–2 Real Madrid
Can Albacete pull off the shock of the season, or will Arbeloa begin his reign with a victory? Kick-off at Estadio Carlos Belmonte is at 01:30 AM IST!
Would you like me to provide the confirmed starting lineups for Albacete vs Real Madrid as soon as they are officially announced?
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