Real Madrid will travel to the Estadio Carlos Belmonte to face second-division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 on Wednesday evening.
Albacete vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 14th January.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete.
Albacete team news
Albacete have no fresh injury concerns heading into this fixture against Real Madrid, except Higinio Marin, who is listed as doubtful due to his thigh injury.
Head coach Alberto Gonzalez could name the same XI that came close against Celta Vigo in the previous round. The home side eliminated top-flight Celta Vigo on penalties in a dramatic Copa del Rey encounter on December 17, 2025, drawing 2-2 after extra time in one of the tournament’s standout results so far.
Albacete will line up in a 5-4-1 formation, just like against Celta Vigo. Raul Lizoain will start in goal. Lorenzo Aguado and Jonathan Gomez will feature as the wing-backs, while Javi Villar will start alongside Javi Moreno and Carlos Neva in the heart of the defence.
Jefte Betancor is set to start up front. The manager will expect him to continue his good form in the Copa del Rey where his three goal involvements in three cup matches helped them reach this far in the cup.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid face this encounter following a significant managerial change. Álvaro Arbeloa, the Castilla coach, has been named interim manager after Xabi Alonso’s departure on January 13, by mutual agreement with the club. This will be Arbeloa’s first match in charge of the first team, though he has been with Real Madrid for 20 years and is considered close to club president Florentino Perez.
The Madrid squad faces considerable injury concerns heading into the fixture. Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring), and Brahim Diaz (AFCON with Morocco) are all ruled out, while Ferland Mendy is a major doubt due to a fresh hamstring injury.
Antonio Rudiger will not travel to Albacete due to a knee problem, having pushed himself hard during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final. Federico Valverde is a minor doubt after requesting substitution in the Super Cup final with a knee issue, though he may yet be assessed and passed fit.
Vinicius Jr. suffered cramps and severe fatigue in the Super Cup final but has not sustained any injury, with his availability dependent on recovery in the coming days. Additionally, Rodrygo missed training due to lingering discomfort from injuries sustained in the semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Form
Albacete
They are currently struggling in La Liga 2, sitting just one point above the relegation zone, in 17th position with 6 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses from 21 matches accumulating 24 points.
Albacete have shown resilience in the Copa del Rey despite their league struggles. Coming off a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Celta Vigo, the second-division side has progressed through three rounds, beating San Fernando, Leganés, and Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s recent form has been mixed, marked by the disappointing Spanish Super Cup final defeat. The team fell to Barcelona 3-2 on January 12, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, with Raphinha scoring twice and Robert Lewandowski adding another in a tight encounter.
However, Vinicius Jr. gave Madrid a bright start by scoring in the 45th minute before an error from Raúl Asencio in the 73rd minute gifted Barcelona their winning goal. Before the Super Cup final, Madrid had beaten Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the semi-final, with Vinicius Jr. and Gonzalo García scoring in a hard-fought victory. Los Blancos are seeking to turn the page quickly and regain their winning ways under new manager Arbeloa.
Predicted lineups
Albacete: Lizoain; Lorenzo, Moreno, Villar, Neva, Gomez; Puertas, Capi, Melendez, Valverde; Betancor
Real Madrid: Lunin; Jiménez, Asencio, Alaba, García; Güler, Camavinga, Ceballos; Mastantuono, García, Vinicius Jr.
How to watch Albacete vs Real Madrid?
In the UK, Sky Sports will broadcast the match free-to-air on channel 5, while DAZN also offers exclusive coverage via their streaming platform
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