Arbeloa's Baptism of Fire: Copa Clash with Albacete Marks New Era for Madrid
With just one training session under his belt, Álvaro Arbeloa faces his first test as Real Madrid manager in a tricky Copa del Rey tie against giant-killers Albacete.
Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa faces a baptism of fire as he takes charge of Los Blancos for the first time, heading to the Carlos Belmonte for a Copa del Rey showdown with Albacete.
Arbeloa’s Rapid Promotion
Talk about being thrown in at the deep end! After the shock departure of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have turned to another club legend in Arbeloa to steady the ship. The former right-back has barely had time to get his feet under the desk, with just a single training session at Valdebebas before this cup tie.
The new gaffer’s preparation hasn’t been made any easier by several key players being unavailable. Mbappé, who bagged a brace in the previous round against Talavera, won’t feature tonight. Madrid will also be without Rodrygo, Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Militão and Mendy, none of whom are expected to make the trip.
Castilla Connection
The silver lining for Arbeloa is his familiarity with the club’s youth setup. Having managed Real Madrid Castilla this season, he’s likely to call upon some familiar faces:
- Cestero and César Palacios are both tipped to start, giving the lineup a youthful injection
- The academy graduates could prove crucial in what promises to be a proper cup scrap
Dangerous Hosts
Albacete are no mugs in this competition, having already claimed one La Liga scalp. The Segunda División side knocked out Celta Vigo in the previous round thanks to a goal from former Madrid man Jesús Vallejo, sending the Carlos Belmonte into raptures.
Vallejo, who left the Bernabéu last summer, will be keen to prove a point against his former employers. The hosts will have to make do without injured trio Higinio, Puertas and Jon García, but they’ll fancy their chances of causing another upset against a Madrid side in transition.
For Arbeloa, it’s a proper test right off the bat. After Madrid’s Supercopa disappointment, the Copa represents one of their remaining shots at silverware this season. No pressure, mate!