Alvaro Arbeloa took full responsibility after Real Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Albacete on Wednesday, admitting the defeat on his first night in charge was "painful" for everyone connected to the club.
Hansi Flick made it clear Barcelona cannot afford any drop in focus as he turned quickly from Spanish Super Cup celebrations to a demanding Copa del Rey tie away to Racing Santander tonight.
Alvaro Arbeloa's first game in charge of Real Madrid ended with a shock 3-2 defeat to struggling Segunda Division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.
Real Sociedad beat Osasuna on penalties, Athletic Club edged Cultural Leonesa and Atletico Madrid pipped Deportivo on Tuesday evening's Copa del Rey Round of 16 clashes.
Real Madrid and Barcelona will both face lower-division sides in the Round of 16 of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, setting up intriguing single-leg ties scheduled for 13–15 January.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid survived a major scare to beat third-tier Talavera 3-2 in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on Wednesday night.