In one of the most stunning upsets in recent Copa del Rey history, second-division side Albasete pulled off a miraculous victory over Real Madrid, sending the Spanish giants packing in the round of 32. The match, played at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, ended with a 1-0 scoreline that left fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
Real Madrid, the defending La Liga champions and perennial favorites, arrived with their star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Yet, from the opening whistle, Albasete’s disciplined defense and counter-attacking prowess threw the visitors into disarray. Goalkeeper Diego Fuoli was a wall between the sticks, denying Madrid’s relentless attacks.
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Albasete’s forward, Mikel Carro, capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the winner. Madrid pushed hard in the dying minutes, but Albasete held firm, securing their place in the next round and etching their name into football folklore.
This shock elimination marks a rare early exit for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who now shift focus entirely to their La Liga title defense and Champions League ambitions. For Albasete, it’s a dream run that boosts morale and finances ahead of their Segunda Division campaign. The football world buzzes with talk of underdog magic, reminding everyone why cup competitions hold such allure.