Albacete vs Real Madrid: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | Copa del Rey 2025/26

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Match Preview

A classic “David vs Goliath” clash awaits at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, as Segunda División strugglers Albacete Balompié host the mighty Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The mood in the Los Blancos camp is somber; Xabi Alonso’s side arrives fresh off a painful 2–3 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final just 48 hours ago. With legs heavy and morale bruised, Real Madrid must navigate this tricky single-leg tie carefully.

Albacete, currently 17th in the second tier, will view this as a “Free Hit.” Despite their poor league form (winless in 3), the atmosphere in Castile-La Mancha will be electric. Having already knocked out Celta Vigo in the previous round, Albacete will dream of compounding Madrid’s misery and pulling off one of the biggest shocks in Copa history.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Match Info

• Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 16)
• Venue: Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete (Capacity: 17,524)
• Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
• Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET
• Referee: TBC (RFEF Appointment)

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Match Stakes

Albacete (La Liga 2):

• Win → The biggest victory in the club’s modern history; a spot in the Quarter-finals.
• Loss → An expected exit; allows full focus on avoiding relegation to the third tier.

Real Madrid (La Liga):

• Win → Essential to calm the storm after the Super Cup final loss; keeps hopes alive for a domestic trophy.
• Loss → A full-blown crisis. Losing a Clásico final and crashing out of the Copa to a second-tier side in 3 days would put immense pressure on the manager.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Team News

Albacete:

• Garcia H. J. — Out (Injury)
• Marin H. — Out (Ankle Injury)
• Puertas A. — Out (Injury)
• Reunion: Former Real Madrid defender Jesús Vallejo is expected to start for Albacete against his old club, providing experience at the back.
• Rotation: Manager Alberto González may field a strong XI, prioritizing defensive solidity to frustrate Madrid early.

Real Madrid:

• Eder Militao — Out (Hamstring Injury – Defensive Blow)
• Alexander-Arnold T. — Questionable (Thigh Injury – Likely rested/out)
• Mendy F. — Questionable (Calf Injury – Missed Super Cup Final)
• Mbappé K. — Doubtful (Knee discomfort – likely rested for La Liga).
• Super Cup Hangover: After a grueling final vs Barcelona, massive rotation is expected. Arda Güler, Endrick, and Dani Ceballos are likely to start.
• Goalkeeper Change: Andriy Lunin typically plays Copa matches and should replace Courtois.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Albacete

• 10/01 — 0–0 vs Real Sociedad B (La Liga 2)
• 04/01 — 1–3 vs Leganés (La Liga 2)
• 21/12 — 1–1 vs Granada (La Liga 2)
• 17/12 — 2–2 vs Celta Vigo (Copa del Rey – Won on Pens)
• 14/12 — 1–3 vs Málaga (La Liga 2)

Real Madrid

• 12/01 — 2–3 vs Barcelona (Super Cup Final)
• 09/01 — 2–1 vs Atl. Madrid (Super Cup Semi)
• 04/01 — 5–1 vs Real Betis (La Liga)
• 21/12 — 2–0 vs Sevilla (La Liga)
• 18/12 — 3–2 vs CF Talavera (Copa del Rey)

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

• 24/07/2024 — Real Madrid 3–0 Albacete (Friendly)
• 04/04/2005 — Albacete 1–2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
• 14/11/2004 — Real Madrid 6–1 Albacete (La Liga)
• 03/04/2004 — Albacete 1–2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
• 23/11/2003 — Real Madrid 2–1 Albacete (La Liga)

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

Albacete (5-4-1)

Lizoain; Rueda, Vallejo, Glauder, Jon Garcia, Alonso; Quiles, Marchan, Rodriguez, Fidel; Escriche

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Lunin; Lucas Vazquez, Vallejo (Jesus), Rüdiger, Fran Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Brahim, Endrick, Güler

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Impact Bench

Albacete: Agus Medina (Midfield control), Higinio (Goal threat if fit enough)

Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr (Emergency weapon), Bellingham (Game changer), Valverde (Energy)

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Tactical Analysis

Albacete

The hosts know they cannot match Madrid technically. They will likely deploy a low block (5-4-1), clogging the central areas to force Madrid wide. Their best chance lies in set-pieces or catching Madrid’s high line napping on the counter-attack via Dani Escriche. They must survive the first 20 minutes without conceding to get the crowd involved.

Real Madrid

“Crisis management” is the theme. Madrid’s “B-Unit” (Güler, Brahim, Endrick) has plenty of talent but often lacks chemistry. They will dominate possession (65%+) but must be patient. With Militao out and full-back issues (Trent/Mendy injured), they are vulnerable to quick transitions. Xabi Alonso will demand quick passing to avoid a repeat of the scare against Talavera in the last round.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Key Battles

• Endrick vs Vallejo — The Brazilian wonderkid vs the ex-Madrid veteran.
• Brahim vs Alonso — Dribbling wizardry vs Albacete’s left-back.
• Escriche vs Rüdiger — Can the Albacete striker unsettle the German giant?
• Lizoain vs The Bernabéu Attack — The goalkeeper needs a 10/10 performance.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Spotlight Players

Albacete — Jesús Vallejo

The former Real Madrid man has a point to prove. His leadership at the back will be crucial if Albacete are to withstand the siege.

Real Madrid — Arda Güler

The Turkish prodigy often shines in these fixtures. With the starters fatigued, this is his stage to demand more La Liga minutes. His creativity against a packed defense is the key to unlocking the game.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Prediction

Albacete 0–2 Real Madrid

Albacete are struggling in the second tier for a reason, and despite Madrid’s fatigue and injuries, the gap in quality is simply too vast. Real Madrid will likely rotate heavily but should control the game professionally. Expect a goal in each half from the hungry youngsters (Endrick/Güler) to seal a Quarter-final spot.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Betting Insights

• Real Madrid to Win — High Probability.
• Under 3.5 Goals — Likely (Madrid likely to conserve energy once ahead).
• Real Madrid Clean Sheet — YES.

Albacete vs Real Madrid — Where to Watch

• Spain: Movistar+ Copa del Rey / TVE La 1
• USA: ESPN+
• UK: Premier Sports

Albacete vs Real Madrid — FAQs

Q: When is the Albacete vs Real Madrid match?

A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at 21:00 CET.

Q: Is Kylian Mbappé playing?

A: Unlikely. He is nursing a knee issue and played in the Super Cup; he will likely be rested.

Q: Is this a two-legged tie?

A: No. It is a single knockout match played at Albacete’s stadium.

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