Real Madrid player ratings vs Albacete: Was Xabi Alonso really the problem?! Embarrassing Blancos dumped out of the Copa del Rey as Alvaro Arbeloa endures nightmare managerial debut | Goal.com Malaysia

Real Madrid player ratings vs Albacete: Was Xabi Alonso really the problem?! Embarrassing Blancos dumped out of the Copa del Rey as Alvaro Arbeloa endures nightmare managerial debut | Goal.com Malaysia

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones
Published: Jan 15, 2026

Real Madrid were woeful defensively, and despite goals from Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia, succumbed to second division Albacete in the Copa Del Rey, losing 3-2 on Wednesday to get Alvaro Arbeloa's reign off to a forgettable start. Los Blancos had most of the ball throughout, but created few clear cut chances. The home side, meanwhile, were clinical - and good value for the win.

Albacete Balompié v Real Madrid - Copa del ReyGetty Images Sport

Goalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Made a couple of tidy saves and could do nothing about any of the goals.

David Jimenez (7/10):

Reacted slowly on the home side's second to dampen an otherwise tidy outing.

Raul Asencio (4/10):

Poor throughout. Showed a lack of composure on the ball and failed to clear his lines on both goals the first two goals.

Dean Huijsen (6/10):

A bit mixed. Good on the ball and involved in Mastantuono's goal, yet made an error or two.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Full of pace and supported the attack well. Unfortunate to be subbed.

Arda Guler Real Madrid 2025Getty

Midfield

Jorge Cestero (6/10):

Moved the ball well but got exposed in transition.

Federico Valverde (5/10):

Miles off his brilliant best. Erratic at times and resorted to trying to bash them in from range.

Arda Guler (6/10):

Played the cross that led to the Madrid first, assisted the second, and controlled the tempo in the second half.

Vinicius Jr Real Madrid 2025Getty

Attack

Franco Mastantuono (6/10):

Grabbed a goal, but offered little else in the attack.

Gonzalo Garcia (7/10):

Was pretty much a peripheral figure until he produced a lovely header to equalise in the 91st minute.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Ran relentlessly at his man and created his share of chances. Fired wide once or twice.

Alvaro Arbeloa Real MadridGetty

Subs & Manager

David Alaba (6/10):

A decent shift at the back.

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Offered legs in midfield, but not the attacking quality needed.

Dani Carvajal (4/10):

Lacked sharpness. Couldn't track his runner on the winner.

Cesar Palacios (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Pepe Sanchez (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Alvaro Arbeloa (3/10):

What an awful start. Madrid were poor in attack and lacking in defence - and entirely deserved to lose. Was Alonso really the problem?