Albacete vs Real Madrid prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 14 January 2026
One of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 clashes will take place on Wednesday at the "Carlos Belmonte" stadium in Albacete, where the local side will host Real Madrid. Let's take a look at the match outcome, keeping in mind the visitors' tricky personnel situation.
Match preview
Albacete are enduring a tough season in the Segunda, teetering on the edge of the relegation zone and showing inconsistent form. However, the Copa del Rey brings out a different side: confident wins over San Fernando, Leganés, and a sensational upset against Celta highlight how tournament motivation and the home crowd make Albacete a truly dangerous opponent.
All eyes in this match will be on Jesús Vallejo, who, after many years at Real Madrid, has become a key figure in Albacete’s defense. The team is gearing up for a historic night – for the first time in over a decade, Albacete have reached this stage of the cup, and a sellout crowd of 17,000 will add to the electric atmosphere. The only question is whether they have the quality to contain the "royal club."
Real Madrid arrive in Castilla not in the best shape – just days ago, they suffered defeat to Barcelona in the Super Cup final and parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso. Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as interim manager, and the clash with Albacete will be his debut – and perhaps his only chance to make a statement with the first team.
Madrid have plenty of problems: Mbappé, Valverde, Vinícius, and Rüdiger are all either injured or not fully fit, and the reserves previously struggled even against Talavera, conceding twice. Still, even in this state, Real remain favorites, especially with the experienced Carvajal returning to shore up the defense. However, no one expects an easy ride in the emotional cauldron of the Carlos Belmonte.
Probable lineups
- Albacete: Lizoain, Neva, Vallejo, Moreno, García, Aguado, Victor, Meléndez, Capí, Puertas, Betancor
- Real Madrid: Lunin, Carvajal, Alaba, Carreras, García, Ceballos, Güler, Pitarch, Mastantuono, Rodrygo, García
Match facts and head-to-head
- Albacete knocked out Celta in the previous round, winning on penalties.
- Both teams have scored in five of Real Madrid’s last six matches.
- Real have conceded in the second half in five of their last six games.
Prediction
Albacete are set for one of their most important matches in decades, and in front of a packed stadium, they'll look to spring a surprise against Real’s rotated lineup. The visitors are dealing with a coaching change, injury woes, and fatigue after the Super Cup final, all of which gives the hosts a real chance to snatch a respectable result. Nevertheless, the visitors’ class should ultimately be decisive – provided Real don’t let complacency creep in.
