Real Madrid : Arbeloa under fire after Copa del Rey humiliation

The reign of Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid has begun in the worst possible way. Just days after taking charge, Los Blancos suffered a shocking 3–2 defeat against second-division strugglers Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16, a result that followed their Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona.

In the Spanish media, the verdict was immediate and brutal : two titles lost, one coach already on the brink. While defeat to Barça could be explained by form, this elimination was seen as an unforgivable humiliation, plunging the club into crisis and casting serious doubt over Arbeloa’s suitability for the job.

Spanish journalists have relentlessly criticized both his post-match comments and his tactical decisions. His references to the team’s poor physical condition were interpreted as indirect jabs at his predecessor Xabi Alonso, drawing sharp rebukes from pundits. Even more damaging were his in-game choices, especially substitutions and squad selection, which several outlets described as passive and disconnected from Real Madrid’s realities.

According to Cadena SER, the club’s hierarchy is already exploring alternatives, with Arbeloa increasingly viewed as a short-term interim rather than a long-term solution. Unless results dramatically improve, his fate appears almost sealed before his project has even begun.