Real Madrid's shock defeat to Alcoyano hurts Zidane

The old legend about the unwavering belief of Alcoyano is more than a myth they put on their crest and in their anthem. It's true here in the present day, and could be seen perfectly last night in their Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid in the 75th minute, when their coach, Vicente Parras, shouted from the touchline: "Let's go. We're in!" There was quarter of an hour to go and his side were still in it, losing only by Militao's goal from a fine Marcelo cross just before the break. But as the night wore on, Madrid's second string players fell back, lacking match practice and confidence. Parras, after making the required changes, told his side to go for them. And they equalised, to take the match to extra-time.

An embarrassing disaster for Zidane

Zidane, who had already brought on Benzema for Mariano (isolated, witless and booked) during the game, had to turn to the big names of Kroos, Asensio and Hazard for extra-time. Even with them Madrid were incapable of beating veteran José Juan in goals (41, as fast as a youngster and safe as houses) and ended up conceding when Alcoyano were playing with 10 after Ramón was sent off, his fiery play leading to two yellows. A happy night for Alcoyano, to be framed on the wall as one of the great achievements of their history; an embarrassing disaster for Madrid, one of those that won't be forgotten. A defeat that will have ramifications, without doubt.

Real Madrid had high hopes for the Copa del Rey

The Copa had been seen as an escape route for Madrid this season, with no Super Cup, with Atleti firing on all cylinders in the league and a squad that look to be struggling in Europe. But the Copa has gone. Zidane's second string team let it slip away, unable to beat a team from Segunda B. They had no idea, as so often happens to the first team, how to open up tight defence, they were unable to play at 100% for the whole game and they conceded. Zidane played a group of players in this competition that he's ignored for weeks. You can't take the Copa del Rey for granted and Zidane did, putting out a side he doesn't believe in.