/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F21%2F37%2Fwelcome-to-sports-mole-transparent-click-area.png "Welcome to Sports Mole")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F20%2F31%2Fsports-mole-favicon-32x32.png "Sports Mole FAVICON"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Falalog.png "Alaves logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fathlog.png "Athletic Bilbao logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fatllog.png "Atletico Madrid logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fbarlog.png "Barcelona logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Flogcel.png "Celta Vigo logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F20%2F50%2Felclog.png "Elche"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fesplog.png "Espanyol logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fgetlog.png "Getafe logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fgirlog.png "Girona logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Flevlog.png "Levante logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F41%2Fmallog.png "Mallorca logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F41%2Fosalog.png "Osauna logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fraylog.png "Rayo Vallecano logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fbetlog.png "Real Betis logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Frmilog.png "Real Madrid logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fsoclog.png "Real Sociedad logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fsevlog.png "Sevilla logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fvallog.png "Valencia logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F06%2Fvillog.png "Villarreal logo"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F12%2F51%2Freal-madrid-bernabeu.jpg "General view of Bernabeu")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F01%2Ficonsport-282408-0005-69680f381242b188030288.jpg "Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa on January 14, 2026")
Real Madrid are incredibly knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening, with Segunda Division outfit Albacete recording a 3-2 victory in their last-16 affair.
Next Game: Real Madrid vs. Levante - Saturday, January 17 at 1pm in La Liga
| Current League Standings | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Barcelona | 19 | 33 | 49 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 18 | 20 | 42 |
| 3 | Villarreal | 17 | 18 | 38 |
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F85139014.png){kind=small}
Follow @sportsmole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F01%2Ficonsport-282408-0005-69680f381242b188030288.jpg "Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa on January 14, 2026")
Albacete 3-2 Real Madrid: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Alvaro Arbeloa's managerial debut ends in shocking Copa del Rey elimination
Real Madrid are incredibly knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening, with Segunda Division outfit Albacete recording a 3-2 victory in their last-16 affair.22:10
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2Fflorentino-perez-688c957fe992e856071599.jpg "Real Madrid president Florentino Perez during a speech")
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez identifies 'perfect' Xabi Alonso replacement after shock departure
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly identifies Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso this summer.17:25
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F01%2Farne-slot-mo-salah-correspondent-email-sportmole-52-6967b65995a7c278924346.jpg "Xabi Alonso has been linked with the Liverpool job as Arne Slot's replacement")
Arne Slot future: What Liverpool's "very good relationship" with Xabi Alonso means after Real Madrid sacking
Following news of Xabi Alonso's dismissal from Real Madrid, Liverpool boss Arne Slot may be fearing for his job in the Anfield dugout.15:31
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Fxabi-alonso-1-693094372fde3146967597.jpg "Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso on December 3, 2025")
Xabi Alonso latest: Liverpool, Manchester City… what's next for the Spaniard after Real Madrid?
Xabi Alonso has lost his job at Real Madrid. The Spaniard, who remains highly rated on the managerial market, is expected to bounce back quickly. But where?11:51
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Fmbappe-2-693f3155b03be422863142.jpg "Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior celebrate for Real Madrid on December 14, 2025")
Real Madrid vs. Levante: How to watch, date, time, live stream, TV channel for La Liga clash
Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to watch the La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Levante.11:05
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Faaa-aa-6937e50139f99686646274.jpg "Real Madrid Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa on September 17, 2025")
Real Madrid latest: Can Alvaro Arbeloa really become the 'new Zidane' at the Bernabeu?
On Monday, Real Madrid decided to part ways with Xabi Alonso to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach. Can the former Los Blancos full-back really become the "new Zidane"?08:37
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F01%2Fns-2-photo-frame-email-sportmole-7-6966ef4d9fb0b703509082.jpg "Jude Bellingham hits out at reports that claim he was influential in the sacking of Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso")
Real Madrid news: Jude Bellingham on 'misinformation' as Xabi Alonso sacking throws club into turmoil
Jude Bellingham hits back at the numerous reports claiming he was one of several Real Madrid players to have fallen out with sacked boss Xabi Alonso.01:22
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2Falexander-arnold-6-68a4e0c0a7da7410698261.jpg "Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold on August 19, 2025")
Team News: Albacete vs. Real Madrid injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest injury and suspension news ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey contest between Albacete and Real Madrid.Jan 13, 20:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Fklopp-alonso-693cb69f1c1b2956495701.jpg "Jurgen Klopp has been touted as a possible replacement for Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso")
Next Real Madrid manager: Jurgen Klopp delivers response to Bernabeu links, gives opinion on Xabi Alonso exit
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp delivers his verdict on the departure of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid, as well as indicating whether he would be interested in the permanent position.Jan 13, 16:09
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Fimago1070084387-1-693694c9e086e372905056.jpg "Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso pictured on December 7, 2025")
Real Madrid news: Xabi Alonso breaks silence with social media post after Los Blancos exit
Xabi Alonso breaks his silence with a farewell message following his recent departure as Real Madrid head coach.Jan 13, 14:44
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Fimago1070182096-6939e32a3e781755625396.jpg "Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso on December 10, 2025")
Real Madrid news: Xabi Alonso's Bernabeu spell by the numbers
Xabi Alonso is no longer Real Madrid's manager. Several figures illustrate the surprise sacking of the former Bayer Leverkusen boss.Jan 13, 09:31
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Fimago1067002084-68d81cb7755dd355621187.jpg "Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso on September 27, 2025")
Real Madrid transfer news: Xabi Alonso still fuming over missed summer priority signing
Just hours after their defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid announced the departure of their manager Xabi Alonso, who was infuriated by a major summer transfer failure.Jan 13, 08:39
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F30%2Frmaala.jpg "Real Madrid trio Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Arda Guler on May 14, 2024")
Real Madrid 'to act' after Premier League clubs launch fresh enquiries for key player
Real Madrid reportedly prepare a strategic move to secure a star player's long-term future amid growing links to three Premier League clubs and one European heavyweight.Jan 13, 01:04
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Fimago1063087359-6853255b81ad8269434560.jpg "Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso on June 18, 2025")
Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid: What happens now? Who will replace the Spaniard at Bernabeu?
Real Madrid announce the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso "by mutual consent", with Alvaro Arbeloa placed in charge of the capital giants.Jan 12, 17:33
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F01%2Fvalverde-4-6965303d1ba68888476752.jpg "Real Madrid's Federico Valverde on January 11, 2026")
Real Madrid injury, suspension list vs. Albacete: Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold latest
Sports Mole takes a look at Real Madrid's injury and suspension situation ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash with Albacete.Jan 12, 17:31
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Flm-685194a7d08ea331047554.jpg "Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates on August 26, 2011")
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Top 10 El Clasico scorers of all time including Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema
Sports Mole counts down the top 10 scorers in the famed El Clasico derby between Barcelona and Real Madrid.Jan 12, 17:09
Real Madrid lineup vs. Albacete: Predicted Los Blancos XI for Copa del Rey contest including debut for wonderkid
Sports Mole looks at how Real Madrid could line up in Wednesday's Copa del Rey last-16 contest with Albacete.Jan 12, 11:17
Preview:Albacete vs Real Madrid - prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Copa del Rey contest between Albacete and Real Madrid, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.Jan 12, 10:59
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F11%2Fferland-mendy.jpg "Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy on March 4, 2025")
Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos defender 'receives offer' from Premier League club
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to receive a £9.5m bid from Sunderland for Champions League-winning defender Ferland Mendy.Jan 12, 10:21
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2Fimago1061279805-1-6895d4fe67bc2947482051.jpg "Real Madrid president Florentino Perez pictured in April 2025")
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez makes Xabi Alonso 'decision' after El Clasico defeat
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains fully behind manager Xabi Alonso despite the disappointment of the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, according to a report.Jan 12, 09:48
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F18026122.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F67139735.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F19273276.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F16010162.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F29232937.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F19302146.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F653054.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F19306929.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F49056243.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F71099053.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fdf11%2F78074594.png "player photo")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F23%2Fgambling-online.png "Footer logo for GAMSTOP"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F06%2FGambleAware%20Secondary%20Main%20Grey.png "on February 3, 2024"){kind=small}