Copa del Rey 2025/26 lineups, stats, preview

Albacete v Real Madrid preview

Alvaro Arbeloa says he “loves” Xabi Alonso and spoke to the deposed Real Madrid manager after taking over from him on Monday.

Alonso left Madrid less than 24 hours after a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, having lasted less than eight months in the role. Reserve team boss Arbeloa is now in charge for the trip to Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.

“What I discussed with Xabi will stay between us,” said Arbeloa, who was a Madrid full-back between 2001 and 2005 and 2009 and 2016.

“I’m really looking forward to my first match; we have everything to play for in the cup. I have an extraordinary squad at my disposal. I can’t wait for it to start.”

Albacete have not been in LaLiga since 2004/05 and are a point above the second-tier relegation zone after a run of one win in seven league matches, although they led and scored a 94th-minute equaliser on their way to knocking out top-flight opponents Celta Vigo on penalties at home in the Copa del Rey last 16.

“I got the news through a friend who sent me a clipping on WhatsApp,” said manager Alberto Gonzalez, revealing how he found out about Alonso’s exit.

“It’s clearly a surprise. I understand that this type of change isn’t usual at this type of team just like that. Football is about continuous adaptation.

“Even with Xabi there, we had big doubts about the kind of game plan he would use, because he made a lot of changes and so on.

“With a new coach, there are even more doubts. We’re focused more on ourselves and doing what we want to do really well.”

Albacete v Madrid team news

Defenders Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold, winger Rodrygo and striker Kylian Mbappe trained individually during Arbeloa’s first session on Tuesday.

Centre-back Eder Militao is expected to be out until April with a torn hamstring.

Defender Jon García and forwards Higinio Marin and Antonio Puertas are out injured for Albacete. Former Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo joined the club on a free transfer last summer.

Ex-Ghana youth international Samuel Obeng has joined them from second-tier rivals Ceuta. The forward played for Wydad at the 2025 Club World Cup.

Albacete v Real Madrid expected line-ups

Albacete starting XI: Diego Marino, Fran Gamez, Jesus Vallejo, Carlos Neva, Jonathan Gomez, Jose Carlos Lazo, Riki, Ale Melendez, Victor Valverde, Agus Medina, Jefte Bentancor

Real Madrid starting XI: Thibaut Courtois, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo García

How to watch Albacete v Madrid: TV channel, live online stream

Kick-off on Wednesday is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Premier Sports 2 and streaming available on a vast range of devices via the Premier Sports app.

A Premier Sports subscription costs £120 a year, £11.99 per month on a 12-month contract or £16.99 per month with 30 days’ cancellation notice required.