The night in Albacete was never meant to carry this kind of weight. Yet Real Madrid's elimination from the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey has quickly grown into something far bigger than a bad result. It was not just a defeat, but a performance that stripped away excuses and exposed a team adrift at a delicate moment of transition.

The reaction was swift and unforgiving. Spanish radio lit up within minutes of the final whistle, with Carrusel Deportivo and El Larguero becoming outlets for disbelief and anger. The consensus was clear. The badge offered no protection, the history no escape. What happened in Albacete felt heavier than a simple cup upset.

That context matters because the collapse arrived on the very night Álvaro Arbeloa took charge for the first time. His debut on the bench was always going to be closely watched, but few expected it to unravel so quickly. Squad rotation, unanswered tactical questions, and ineffective changes turned a tough assignment into a long, uncomfortable evening.

Real Madrid has a plan already in motion

As frustration peaked, the main story surfaced. Manu Carreño revealed that the club has already begun exploring options for a new head coach for next season. According to Carreño, these contacts started earlier this week, well before the ball rolled in Albacete. The message was subtle but significant. Arbeloa's role is temporary, and the leadership knows it.

The fallout continued across the airwaves. Tomás Roncero called the defeat one of the most embarrassing in recent memory, while Álvaro Benito focused on the absence of structure and clarity on the pitch. Emotion on one side, analysis on the other. Neither offered comfort.

Now attention turns forward. A league match against Levante awaits, with the Santiago Bernabéu ready to pass judgment. Players and executives alike know the margin for error has narrowed.

The official line remains calm. Arbeloa is expected to see out the season, as Carreño explained, but Antonio Romero offered a reminder that time moves differently in Madrid. Four months can feel endless. Especially when the future is already being discussed behind closed doors.