Madrid Stumbles, Media Roasts Real Madrid After Cup Exit: Arbeloa's Start Under Fire
15 January 2026
Madrid Stumbles as Arbeloa Era Begins with Cup Exit
Spanish press launched a volley of criticism at Real Madrid after a shocking exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Albacete, a second division side.
Madrid, under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, lost 3-2 on Wednesday to Albacete, who sit 17th in the second division. It was a night to forget.
The headlines from Madrid's outlets were relentlessly harsh, with AS calling it a disaster from the start.
Marca echoed it with a real shame for Madrid.
Catalan papers took even sharper aim, shouting a humiliating insult to Real Madrid in Albacete.
Mundo Deportivo quipped that Madrid Arbeloa is here to stay forever.
Key players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were absent, yet the display remained disappointing under Arbeloa.
Madrid did level the score late through Gonzalo Garcia in the 90+1 minute, only to concede a killer third three minutes later.
This was their second trophy setback of the season after losing the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona 3-2 on Sunday, prompting the sacking of coach Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa taking over.
The defeat raises questions about Madrid's direction and the future under Arbeloa.
Fans will now wait to see if Arbeloa can steady the ship, or if the Spanish press will keep the heat on.
Punchline 1: The headlines were sharper than a cobbler’s knife, and Real Madrid somehow looked for a cleaner finish in the headlines than on the pitch.
Punchline 2: Arbeloa walked onto the touchline and realized the only thing hotter than the press room is the coffee machine in the stadium press area — both explode if you press the wrong button.
