Albacete-Real Madrid: Whites aiming to reach quarter-finals
Arbeloa makes his managerial debut for the team, who are in action this evening in a single-leg tie at the Carlos Belmonte stadium (9 pm CET).
Real Madrid face Albacete this evening at the Carlos Belmonte stadium in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey in a single-leg tie (9 pm CET). Arbeloa is making his debut as coach, and his team will be aiming to advance to the quarter-finals.
Real Madrid go into this cup tie immersed in a demanding calendar, with six matches in three different competitions between now and 1 February. Madrid will return to their stadium on Saturday to face Levante in LaLiga. And then comes the first Champions League match of 2026, also at home, against Monaco.
"We have an amazing squad and a team ready to do what it takes, well aware of the demands of Real Madrid," said Arbeloa in his first press conference as Real Madrid first-team coach. He also spoke of the importance of this evening's clash: "I’m eager to start my first game in a competition where everything is at stake. I’m not concerned about anything else."
Albacete
This will be the second Copa knockout round this season at the Carlos Belmonte for the La Mancha side, who reached the last 16 after beating Celta on penalties (2-2). Previously, they eliminated Leganés (1-2) and UD San Fernando (0-3) away from home.