Real Madrid faces Albacete this Wednesday (14) in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, in a single match at the Estádio Carlos Belmonte, in the city of Albacete, Espanha. The duel starts at 5pm (Brasília time), with the Merengue team looking to advance in the competition after recent changes in technical command. Álvaro Arbeloa makes his debut as interim coach of the first team.
The clash pits a Spanish Segunda Divisão club against one of the giants of European football. Albacete arrives motivated after eliminating Celta from Vigo on penalties in the previous phase. Já o Real Madrid, despite several important absences, is betting on a mixed lineup to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.
Albacete confirmed lineup
Albacete enters the field with a 4-4-2 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Goalkeeper Raúl Lizoain commands the defense line made up of Lorenzo Aguado, Javi Moreno, Carlos Neva and Diego Bernabeu.
In midfield, Aleix Meléndez, Álex Pacheco, Javi Villar and Capi form the quartet responsible for creating and marking. The attack has Jaime Villar and Dani Escriche as the main options to break through the opponent’s defense. Coach Alberto González Fernández maintains the base that surprised him in the previous phase.
Real Madrid confirmed lineup
Real Madrid adopts a 4-3-3 formation for the game. Andriy Lunin is the starting goalkeeper in Copa del Rey. The defense has David Jiménez, Raúl Asencio, David Alaba and Fran García.
In midfield, Federico Valverde takes on the role of captain, alongside Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler. The attack is led by Franco Mastantuono, Gonzalo García and Vinicius Jr., who seek to maintain the good offensive momentum. Álvaro Arbeloa opts for rotation due to absences.
Main team absences
Real Madrid arrives with several confirmed absences. Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, The club preserves pieces for future commitments.
Albacete has no significant absences for this match. The complete squad is available for coach Alberto González Fernández, who is betting on collective strength to try to surprise the favorite.
Where to watch the game live
The live broadcast on Brasil takes place exclusively via Disney+ streaming, the platform that holds the rights to Copa of the Access requires active subscription.
For those who prefer to follow in real time, the ge.globo website offers minute-by-minute coverage with updates, statistics and main bids. The local time in Albacete is 9pm (Espanha time).
Stadium and referee details
Estádio Carlos Belmonte hosts the match with a capacity for around 17 thousand fans. Referee Victor Garcia Verdura commands the match, assisted by the team of Spanish linesmen. The average number of cards in the competition indicates a disputed game, but without excesses.
Albacete has a strong home tradition in elimination games. Real Madrid seeks to impose its favoritism with ball possession and speed on the wings.
Expectations for the duel
Albacete bets on the home factor to complicate Real Madrid’s life. The Segunda Divisão team eliminated stronger opponents in the previous phase and seeks to repeat the feat.
Real Madrid, even with an alternative lineup, has the quality to control the game. Vinicius Jr. is the main offensive weapon, while the mixed defense needs to adapt quickly to the new coach.
Recent history between the teams
The teams have no recent clashes in the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid historically dominates duels against teams from lower divisions.
Albacete arrives as a zebra, but motivated by the current campaign. The unique match increases the pressure on the favorite.
Factors that can decide the match
Real Madrid’s possession of the ball should prevail, but Albacete can exploit counterattacks. Vinicius Jr. and Arda Güler are key pieces to open spaces.
Albacete’s defense needs to neutralize quick attacks. Lunin’s performance in the Merengue goal also influences the final result.
