Prediction: Albacete vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Fresh from their Spanish Super Cup disappointment, Real Madrid travel to Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Wednesday night to face Segunda División side Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16.

Los Blancos will be eager to bounce back under new management, while the hosts dream of a historic upset.

Albacete

Albacete are chasing a place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals for the first time since 1994-95, when they reached the semi-finals—a feat that would be monumental if achieved by knocking out Real Madrid.

Currently competing in Spain’s second tier, the club has a proud history of seven LaLiga seasons, though their last top-flight campaign came in 2004-05. This term, Alberto González’s men have struggled in the Segunda División, collecting 24 points from 21 matches to sit 17th—just one point above the relegation zone.

Despite league woes, Albacete have impressed in the cup. They swept aside San Fernando 3-0 in the first round, edged Leganés 2-1 in the second, and stunned Celta Vigo via penalties in December to book their spot in the last 16.

The hosts enter this clash following a goalless draw with Real Sociedad B, hoping home advantage can inspire another upset.

Team News

González is expected to stick with the XI that started against Celta Vigo. No fresh injuries were reported after the weekend fixture, leaving the squad at full strength. Antonio Puertas, with seven goals this season, should feature out wide, while Jefte Betancor—five goals to his name—will lead the line.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Super Cup campaign ended in heartbreak, as they followed a 2-1 semi-final win over Atletico Madrid with a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in Sunday’s final. Despite assurances over Xabi Alonso’s position, the club announced his departure on Monday, appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as interim boss.

Los Blancos remain in contention for three trophies, sitting second in LaLiga—four points behind Barcelona—and seventh in the Champions League standings. The Copa del Rey, however, offers a golden chance to regain momentum after a turbulent week.

Madrid scraped past CF Talavera 3-2 in the previous round, and while they boast 20 Copa del Rey titles—the third-most in history—their last triumph came in 2022-23. They will be determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s final defeat to Barcelona.

Team News

Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring), Brahim Diaz (AFCON), and Ferland Mendy (hamstring) are ruled out. Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde face late fitness checks, while Dean Huijsen remains a doubt.

Kylian Mbappe returned as a substitute against Barcelona but is unlikely to start. Arbeloa is expected to rotate heavily, with Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Franco Mastantuono, and potential debutant Thiago Pitarch all in line for minutes.

Head-to-Head

Real Madrid have faced Albacete 14 times and remain unbeaten.

Their last meeting in April 2005 ended in a 2-1 win for Los Blancos, underlining the gulf between the sides.

Conclusion

Albacete will look to exploit Madrid’s fatigue and managerial upheaval, but the visitors’ depth and quality should ultimately prevail.

Expect a spirited contest, yet Real Madrid are likely to secure their quarter-final berth with room to spare.

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: 888sport