Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid Debut Reveals Three Game-Changing Insights
Álvaro Arbeloa witnessed what was supposed to be a straightforward debut on Real Madrid's sideline transform into a complete disaster on Wednesday night.
The Spanish coach, who assumed control of Los Blancos following Xabi Alonso's surprising exit, made his managerial bow against Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16. The Santander outfit entered the match sitting just one point clear of the relegation zone in La Liga 2 and had never previously beaten Real Madrid.
However, when the referee's whistle concluded proceedings at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete were the ones rejoicing after a remarkable 3–2 triumph courtesy of Jefté Betancor's dramatic late winner. The 15-time European champions, by contrast, could only watch in complete humiliation.
Arbeloa subsequently accepted responsibility for the defeat, but the new coach cannot afford to linger on his errors, nor those of his players. Rather, the 42-year-old must examine what transpired and apply his newly gained insights to this weekend's La Liga encounter with Levante.
A Managerial Switch Isn't the Instant Solution Real Madrid Expected
A Managerial Switch Isn't the Instant Solution Real Madrid Expected
Many coaches don't receive sufficient time at Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso was among them. pic.twitter.com/IqsdFc0qi5
Much of Los Blancos' struggles throughout recent months were attributed to Alonso's leadership. The Spanish tactician was held accountable for every sluggish offensive display, every defensive collapse and every disappointing outcome.
Certainly, Alonso warranted some of the criticism directed toward him, particularly for his questionable tactical choices. The former Bayer Leverkusen manager deployed Vinicius Junior on the right flank during the club's 4–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, inserted a recently recovered Jude Bellingham into the season's first Madrid derby and positioned Fran García in left midfield against Elche.
Nevertheless, the former coach was not on the field alongside his talented roster. Alonso was not the one collapsing in a 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo or delivering a completely spiritless performance against Liverpool. Replacing him with Arbeloa is not a miraculous remedy for Real Madrid's glaring structural issues.
Arbeloa requires time to restore an identity to the formerly dominant Spanish club and eliminate bad habits dating back to the 2024–25 campaign. However, time is seldom granted to new managers at the Bernabéu.
Modifications Must Occur in Real Madrid's Midfield
Modifications Must Occur in Real Madrid's Midfield
It is widely known that Real Madrid urgently require a deep-lying playmaker, but the club has clarified their transfer strategy: any deals must wait until the summer window. The squad must cope until then, and it will continue to face difficulties without some essential adjustments.
Despite his grievances about playing at right back, Federico Valverde has been terrible in his recent returns to central midfield. The Uruguayan completed merely nine passes in 68 minutes against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with only one being a progressive pass.
Subsequently, against such a weaker opponent in Albacete, Valverde contributed little beyond taking a few lacklusical long-range attempts. In a match demanding midfield leadership, the captain won no duels, created only one opportunity and spent most of his evening passing without purpose.
Arda Güler, who also struggled apart from his set piece deliveries, still outperformed his experienced colleague. Should a choice need to be made between the Turkish prospect and Valverde, Güler holds the advantage.
Both might find themselves on the substitutes' bench, however, if Arbeloa prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga as a double pivot.
Real Madrid Lack the Squad Depth to Compete for Multiple Titles
Real Madrid Lack the Squad Depth to Compete for Multiple Titles
17th-placed second-tier side Albacete Balompié eliminate Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey in Álvaro Arbeloa's inaugural match. pic.twitter.com/QPYKyCsHLc
If Wednesday's Copa del Rey elimination demonstrated anything, it is that Los Blancos lack impact players from the bench. Even without stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid should possess sufficient quality to overcome a La Liga 2 team.
However, Real Madrid Castilla graduates David Jiménez and Jorge Cestero, who both started against Albacete, disappointed in their significant chances. The former was outplayed by opposing fullback Dani Bernabéu throughout the evening, while the latter had little to demonstrate from his appearance beyond a few solid challenges.
Andriy Lunin, meanwhile, endured a catastrophic night at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte. The goalkeeper failed to prevent Betancor's opening goal despite getting both hands to the ball and then remained motionless at his near post as the substitute scored his second and the decisive goal in the 94th minute.
Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono may have found the net for Real Madrid, but even the two attackers lacked inspiration in attack and made numerous mistakes—both in possession and out—that cannot be ignored.
The collection of fringe players and Castilla prospects proved they are not at the standard required to secure victories when the team's best XI is absent. Without such depth, the 15-time European champions were never going to manage deep tournament runs while juggling the demanding schedule across the Copa del Rey, Champions League and La Liga.