Dani Carvajal Unleashes Brutal Assessment as Real Madrid Crashes Out of Copa del Rey in Shocking Upset
Real Madrid skipper Dani Carvajal confessed the squad reached their lowest point after suffering a shocking 3–2 loss to second-division club Albacete on Wednesday night.
The Spanish powerhouse traveled to Santander to begin the Álvaro Arbeloa tenure in the Copa del Rey last 16. Despite recent coaching changes and missing Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and other key players, Los Blancos were overwhelming favorites to secure victory in what appeared to be a one-sided matchup.
However, Albacete managed to score three times against Real Madrid, including a decisive goal in the 94th minute, earning their place in the quarterfinals. This devastating loss occurred during the same week as the team's Spanish Super Cup disappointment against Barcelona, leading to Xabi Alonso's abrupt departure.
"We've reached our absolute lowest point," Carvajal stated following Wednesday's Copa del Rey upset. "We must accept responsibility even in defeat, and that's exactly what we need to do now. We, as players, bear the ultimate accountability.
"A Segunda División side has eliminated us and they deserve credit. Starting tomorrow, we must examine ourselves critically both as individuals and as a team."
Carvajal Delivers Real Madrid Rallying Cry
Carvajal Issues Real Madrid Battle Call
While being the most humiliating, Real Madrid's loss to Albacete represents yet another setback in the team's struggles over the past eighteen months. The 15-time European champions transitioned from capturing La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023–24 to suffering defeats in their last three finals against Barcelona.
Los Blancos currently sit four points behind the Catalans in the league standings, while losses to Liverpool and Manchester City have placed them seventh in the Champions League table.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid remain competitive in both tournaments, a point Carvajal emphasized to both teammates and supporters.
"We still possess the opportunity to salvage this season. We have two excellent competitions remaining to compete for. The squad isn't performing at its peak currently and we must put in the effort," the Spanish defender stated.
"Everyone must contribute significantly more and that's our reality. That's our message: we must give everything. We also extend our apologies to our supporters and we are not, starting with myself, meeting the standards and expectations of this institution. We pledge to give our maximum effort in the upcoming matches over the coming months so this situation can be turned around."
Los Blancos face a La Liga encounter against 19th-placed Levante on Saturday, Jan. 17. Arbeloa will aim to quickly move past the club's midweek embarrassment with a convincing performance at the Bernabéu.