David vs. Goliath: Albacete Set to Battle Real Madrid Giants in Copa del Rey Showdown
Real Madrid return to the pitch following a turbulent period as they face second-tier Albacete on Wednesday evening in the Copa del Rey last 16.
This match comes just 48 hours after the announcement of Xabi Alonso's dismissal as Real Madrid head coach. The choice to terminate Alonso's position was made directly following their loss to Barcelona in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final.
Álvaro Arbeloa was immediately appointed as Alonso's replacement and the former Castilla coach now has merely one day to get ready for a must-win encounter. Being eliminated from the Copa del Rey at the round of 16 stage would represent a complete disaster for Real Madrid.
Their opponents Albacete have endured a difficult La Liga2 campaign this season, positioned just one point clear of the drop zone. However, they're coming into this match after shocking Celta Vigo in the previous round in spectacular style and, playing on home soil, they'll look to defeat the 15-time European champions for the first time in their history.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this Copa del Rey encounter.
What Time Does Albacete vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?
What Time Does Albacete vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?
Albacete vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Albacete vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Albacete | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
Real Sociedad B 0–0 Albacete - 1/10/26 | Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid - 1/11/26 |
Albacete 1–3 Leganés - 1/4/26 | Atlético Madrid 1–2 Real Madrid - 1/8/26 |
Granada 1–1 Albacete - 12/21/25 | Real Madrid 5–1 Real Betis - 1/4/26 |
Albacete 2–2 Celta Vigo (3–0 Pens) - 12/17/25 | Real Madrid 2–0 Sevilla - 12/20/25 |
Albacete 1–3 Malaga - 12/14/25 | Talavera 2–3 Real Madrid - 12/17/25 |
How to Watch Albacete vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Albacete vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, ESPN App, fuboTV |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 2, Premier Sports Player |
Canada | Not Televised |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+ |
Albacete Team News
Albacete Team News
Alberto González's squad has a historic opportunity, seeking to reach the Copa del Rey quarterfinals for the first time in three decades. González rotated several players during the weekend's fixture against Real Sociedad B, preserving them for Wednesday's high-profile Cup tie.
While Albacete typically employs a 4-4-2 formation, they'll likely switch to a five-man defense considering the caliber of their opposition. Ex-Real Madrid defender Jesús Vallejo netted the crucial injury-time equalizer in the previous round that sent Albacete through on penalties, and he'll anchor the defensive line against his former team.
Agus Medina leads the club's scoring charts with six La Liga2 goals this campaign, and he'll shoulder the primary attacking responsibility as Albacete attempts to pull off a remarkable upset.
Albacete Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Albacete Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Albacete predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (5-4-1): Lizoaín; Aguado, Moreno, Vallejo, Neva, Gómez; Valverde, Pacheco, Rodríguez, Morcillo; Medina
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid Team News
All attention will focus on Real Madrid's reaction following a Clásico loss that ended Alonso's tenure. Arbeloa faces immediate pressure and a defeat to Albacete would be unforgivable.
Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo were absent from the final training session before traveling south, meaning Franco Mastantuono might get the starting nod on the right flank, with prolific Brazilian Vinicius Junior also expected to start given the fitness concerns surrounding the other two senior forwards.
David Alaba is set to receive his first start since October, partnering Raúl Asencio at center-back. Arbeloa's favored 4-3-3 system indicates the midfield could feature Eduardo Camavinga in the holding role, with Arda Güler and Dani Ceballos providing support.
Real Madrid Castilla prospect David Jiménez is expected to start at right-back, though club captain Dani Carvajal might make his comeback after recovering from knee surgery.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Albacete
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Albacete
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Albacete (4-3-3): Lunin; Jiménez, Asencio, Alaba, García; Güler, Camavinga, Ceballos; Mastantuono, García, Vinicius Jr.
Albacete vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
Albacete vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
There's a clear disparity in talent between these teams, but as Real Madrid and Barcelona discovered in their recent Copa del Rey encounters, lower-division opponents are extremely motivated to perform against Spain's elite clubs, particularly on home turf.
Nevertheless, the recent upheaval should act as a reality check for Los Blancos' players. Much responsibility for Alonso's unsuccessful spell has been attributed to the squad, so they must rise to the occasion and will be eager to begin anew immediately.
With new leadership on the sideline, Real Madrid will demonstrate their resilience and produce a display befitting the club's reputation, launching the Arbeloa era with a convincing win.