Albacete – Real Madrid: a dream up for grabs 
Narrowly knocked out in the Supercopa final, Real Madrid are already off to a tricky Copa del Rey trip. Wednesday night the Merengues visit Albacete for a round of 16 tie against a Segunda División side with nothing to lose. Given the context — fatigue and a coaching transition at Madrid — this tie could be tighter than it looks.
Albacete: a historic opportunity 
For Albacete this one’s special. They haven’t reached the quarter-finals since the mid‑90s, back when they even made the semis. Dumping Real Madrid out would be a massive upset and would be remembered at the club for years.
League reality is harsher. Stuck near the bottom of the Segunda, Alberto González’s men are fighting to survive. With just one point above the drop, the league is clearly the priority.
But the cup has shown a different Albacete. Solid against San Fernando (3-0), pragmatic against Leganés (2-1), then heroic against Celta Vigo, advancing on penalties — the Whites have proved they can lift themselves for this format. The recent goalless draw with Real Sociedad’s B also shows defensive steel at home.
Real Madrid: unstable situation 
On Madrid’s side the scenery changed in days. After beating Atlético in the Supercopa semi, Real lost to Barça in the final. A frustrating defeat, quickly followed by a shock: Xabi Alonso’s exit, hurriedly replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa.
On the pitch the season’s solid. Second in LaLiga and still in the Champions League, Real can’t afford to throw the Copa del Rey away — even if it’s not top priority. The previous round against Talavera already exposed limits, a nervy 3-2 win.
Historically, Real have never lost to Albacete. Fourteen matches, zero defeats, last meeting in 2005. But with tired legs, a new staff and likely rotation, the Merengues know this trip isn’t straightforward.
Probable line-ups
Albacete:
Lizoain ; Lorenzo, Moreno, Villar, Neva, Jogo ; Puertas, Capi, Melendez, Valverde ; Betancor
Real Madrid:
Lunin ; Carvajal, Alaba, Carreras, Fran Garcia ; Guler, Ceballos, Pitarch ; Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia, Mastantuono
Key takeaways
- Albacete haven’t reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals since 1995.
- The club plays in the Segunda and are fighting to avoid relegation.
- Real Madrid come off a defeat in the Supercopa final.
- The Merengues have never lost to Albacete in an official match.
Football Prediction Albacete vs Real Madrid
Albacete to score at least once
Given Real’s situation, Albacete could use the atmosphere and any lapse to get on the scoresheet. Madrid are still favourites to qualify, but this round of 16 could be far tighter than expected.
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