**Real Madrid to Face Albacete in Copa del Rey Clash at Carlos Belmonte**
Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid will play Albacete in a single-elimination Copa del Rey Round of 16 matchup.
- The match will take place on Wednesday, January 14 at 21:00 at Carlos Belmonte stadium.
- Albacete earned the tie after surprising wins over Leganés and Celta Vigo.
Madrid, Spain — The Copa del Rey is trending after the draw for the Round of 16 revealed that Real Madrid will travel to face Albacete in a high-stakes, one-leg knockout match. The game, scheduled for January 14 at 21:00 at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, marks an exciting David versus Goliath fixture in Spain’s beloved domestic cup.
Real Madrid Draws Away Match in Round of 16
The Spanish Football Federation conducted the draw on Monday, placing Albacete Balompié, currently ranked 17th in the Segunda División, at home against the reigning La Liga champions, Real Madrid. The match format—one leg only—adds a layer of unpredictability, especially when lower-tier clubs host giants. Albacete reached this stage after eliminating UD San Fernando (3–0), Leganés (2–1), and pulling off a shock against top-tier side Celta Vigo in penalties (2–2, 3–0 in shootout).
Heavy Fixture Load for Madrid
This Copa match lands during a demanding stretch for Real Madrid. They are preparing for four matches in just 10 days, including a La Liga match vs. Levante and a Champions League clash with Monaco. Real Director Emilio Butragueño acknowledged the scheduling pressure and warned that the Albacete match would require full focus due to the expected intensity and fan energy. “It’s a game that will mean a lot for the city. These matches are like finals,” he stated.
Underdog Albacete Looks to Shock Again
Riding strong momentum from their surprising run, Albacete and their supporters are treating this game as a historic occasion. There is no prior Copa del Rey history between these two sides, and the last time Madrid visited Carlos Belmonte was over 20 years ago. The smaller club sees this as a golden opportunity to make national headlines, especially in a one-off match where surprises are not uncommon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is copa del rey trending?
A: The Round of 16 draw has sparked national attention, particularly the pairing of Real Madrid vs. Albacete in a single-elimination fixture.
Q: What happens next?
A: The match will be played on Wednesday, January 14 at 21:00 at Carlos Belmonte Stadium. The winner advances to the quarterfinals.
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