Copa del Rey: Arbeloa takes responsibility after Real Madrid’s humiliating elimination

Real Madrid suffered a true shock on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey. Los Merengues were knocked out in the round of 16 by Albacete, a second-division side, with a 3-2 defeat.

For his debut on the Madrid bench, Álvaro Arbeloa made no excuses. At the press conference, the manager took full responsibility for this resounding loss:

If there’s someone to blame, it’s me. I chose the lineup, the game plan, and the substitutions.

Already beaten by FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid is enduring a very rough start to the year. Trailing and constantly chasing the game against Albacete, Los Blancos conceded the decisive goal just before the final whistle.

Arbeloa also stressed the need to regain better physical and mental sharpness, urging his team to work hard in the coming days. Real Madrid will look to bounce back as soon as Saturday in La Liga, hosting Levante on matchday 20.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr