Jefte Betancor's Heroics: Albacete Stuns Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Upset

Substitute Jefte Betancor scored twice to lead second-tier Albacete to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Despite Real's attempts to equalize, Betancor's late strike secured a memorable win, eliminating the Spanish giants on Alvaro Arbeloa's managerial debut.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 15-01-2026 04:21 IST | Created: 15-01-2026 04:21 IST
Jefte Betancor's Heroics: Albacete Stuns Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Upset

Substitute Jefte Betancor's incredible performance powered second-tier Albacete to a sensational 3-2 victory over Spanish football giants Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. The win not only eliminated Real from the tournament but also marked a stunning managerial debut for Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Carlos Belmonte stadium, shrouded in dense fog, was the scene of a fiercely contested match that witnessed an energetic crowd of 17,000 passionately supporting the underdogs. Albacete gained the lead with just three minutes before half-time thanks to a powerful header by Javier Villar, thrilling the enthusiastic fans.

Despite Real Madrid's efforts to equalize, with late goals and counter-attacks, it was Jefte Betancor's final right-footed strike that sealed the shock victory in stoppage time. The result showcased the magic of the Copa del Rey, where underdog triumphs keep the spirit of the game alive.

Give Feedback