This Will Be Arbeloa’s First Opponent as Real Madrid Head Coach
Following Xabi Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid begin a new era under Álvaro Arbeloa, who will make his debut in a high-risk, single-elimination clash against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
The unexpected exit of Xabi Alonso from the Real Madrid bench, after the defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, has paved the way for a new chapter led by Álvaro Arbeloa. A club legend and former Real Madrid Castilla coach, Arbeloa steps up to the first team with immediate pressure and little room for error.
His first official test comes away from home against Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16. While the gap in divisions favors the Blancos, the one-off nature of the tie and the atmosphere at the Carlos Belmonte stadium add a layer of danger—especially after the squad’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia.
A Debut Shaped by Absences and Key Calls
Arbeloa inherits a challenging situation. Several senior players are unlikely to feature, with Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy missing the only pre-match training session. Confirmed absences include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Éder Militao through injury, as well as Brahim Díaz, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The main positive for the new coach is the return of Fede Valverde, who has recovered from the issues that forced him off in the last Clásico. The Uruguayan is expected to play a key role in midfield—an area that has troubled Real Madrid throughout the season.
In goal, Andriy Lunin is tipped to continue as the cup keeper. Captain Dani Carvajal could see minutes for the first time in three months, while Fran García, Arda Güler, and Franco Mastantuono are among the candidates to freshen up the starting XI.
Albacete Dream of a Historic Upset
On the other side, Albacete approach the match with full belief. Head coach Alberto González has spoken openly about the excitement of facing what he calls “possibly the best team in the world,” viewing the tie as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a packed stadium behind them.
González is considering a five-man defense—an approach that has worked in previous rounds. Up front, winter signing Samu Obeng is expected to be included, while midfielder Capi returns after recovering from illness. The main absence will be striker Higinio, sidelined with a foot injury.
For Álvaro Arbeloa, this fixture represents more than just a debut—it marks the beginning of a tenure where every decision will be closely scrutinized. The first obstacle is set; now, the challenge is to clear it.
