Overview
Albacete is nurturing ambitions to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals for the first time since the 1994-1995 season - a season in which they even reached the semi-finals. Therefore, if they eliminate Real Madrid, this will certainly be a special feat for Alberto Gonzalez's team.
The representative of Castilla-La Mancha currently plays in Segunda Division (Spain's second division). In the past, Albacete had 7 seasons in La Liga, the most recent being the 2004-2005 season. However, in the second division this season, they faced many difficulties.
Albacete only has 24 points after 21 matches, ranking 17th, only 1 point ahead of the relegation group. However, at Copa del Rey, Albacete showed a vibrant face with an encouraging series of results.
Specifically, they started with a 3-0 victory over San Fernando in the first round, then surpassed Leganes 2-1. In the next round, Albacete won a ticket to the next round thanks to their bravery on penalties, defeating Celta Vigo on December 17.
Gonzalez's team entered this match after a 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad B and expects home advantage to become an important support in the upcoming journey.
In the opposite direction, Real Madrid just experienced a dense schedule at the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. They defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi-finals on January 8, before collapsing 2-3 against Barcelona in the final.
Xabi Alonso's future is considered safe despite being disappointed with the defeat, but unexpected developments occurred, when information confirmed that the 44-year-old captain had left the hot seat and Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed to replace him.
Even so, Real Madrid is still competing in many fronts. They are second in La Liga, 4 points behind Barcelona, and seventh in the Champions League. In that context, the Copa del Rey is considered the third priority, and in the previous round, the Royal team just had time to overcome CF Talavera with a score of 3-2.
Real Madrid has won the Copa del Rey 20 times, being the third most successful team in the history of the tournament. The last time they were crowned was the 2022-2023 season, but last season they lost to Barcelona in the final.
In head-to-head matches, Real Madrid has faced Albacete 14 times and has never lost. The most recent encounter in April 2005 closed with a 2-1 victory in favor of the capital team.
Personnel situation
Alberto Gonzalez is likely to keep the same squad as he played against Celta Vigo in the previous round.
From the 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad B in the second division, the home team has not recorded any injuries, thereby having almost the strongest force for the reception of Real Madrid.
On the attacking front, Antonio Puertas - the author of 7 goals this season - is almost certain to be on one wing. In the center of the attack, Jefte Betancor (5 goals this season) is expected to continue to lead in the confrontation with Real.
In the opposite direction, Real Madrid is definitely missing Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee injury), Eder Militao (strap injury), Brahim Diaz (AFCON) and Ferland Mendy (strap injury) in the upcoming match.
In addition, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde both have knee problems after playing in Saudi Arabia and need medical examination. Meanwhile, the possibility of Dean Huijsen starting will only be decided at the last minute, because this center-back has not reached optimal fitness status in recent weeks.
Kylian Mbappe has returned after a knee injury and started from the bench against Barcelona, but it is highly likely that the French striker is still not qualified to start in this match.
In his debut as head coach, Arbeloa is predicted to make many personnel adjustments. Dani Carvajal is likely to return to the starting lineup, while Thiago Pitarch along with Franco Mastantuono and Dani Ceballos are also expected to be present from the beginning for Real Madrid.
Expected lineup:
Lizoain, Lorenzo, Moreno, Villar, Neva, Jogo, Puertas, Capi, Melendez, Valverde, Betancor.
Real Madrid: Lunin, Carvajal, Alaba, Carreras, F. Garcia, Guler, Ceballos, Pitarch, Rodrygo, G. Garcia, Mastantuono.
The match between Albacete and Real Madrid takes place at 3:00 AM on January 15 (Vietnam time).
