How the United States reacted to Real Madrid’s shock cup exit: “The problem wasn’t Xabi”

Just days after Xabi Alonso was fired following the loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid suffered another embarrassment, falling 3–2 to second-division Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

The result reverberated around the world, including in the United States, where several analysts reacted to what they described as yet another “humiliation” for the club – some even mocking Florentino Pérez’s decision to dismiss Xabi Alonso after the defeat to Barcelona.

“Good thing the problem was Xabi Alonso,” Venezuelan journalist Fernando Petrocelli wrote sarcastically. Petrocelli is a contributor to Diario AS in Miami.

This marks the second competition in which Madrid have come away empty-handed. As a result, ESPN’s Richard Méndez warned that the team, now coached by Arbeloa, is “heading toward anadaplete” – meaning it could finish the season without winning a single trophy.

José Hernández, who worked his way up from El Salvador to become a highly respected voice in U.S. sports journalism, agreed and delivered a pointed verdict: “So now it’s clear the problem wasn’t Xabi Alonso?”

Mexican broadcaster Rodolfo Landeros, now a key figure for FOX Sports in the United States, chose to describe Real Madrid’s performance as “shameful,” given the level of the opponent.

Tony Cherchi of ESPN recalled Madrid’s infamous 4–0 loss to Alcorcón in the 2009–10 season. While the scoreline was not as lopsided this time, he still wrote: “Alcorconazo 2.0.”

What are the media saying?

The New York Times, in its The Athletic section, described the game as the “worst possible start for Arbeloa.” Bleacher Report ran the headline: “Xabi Alonso vindicated as Real Madrid suffer shocking Copa del Rey elimination.”

ESPN labeled Álvaro Arbeloa’s first experience as Real Madrid coach “a disastrous beginning,” while FOX Deportes went even further, calling it a “historic disaster.”

“There was little Arbeloa could do”

Not everyone was critical. Sammy Sadovnik, one of Apple TV’s lead commentators for the MLS season, came to Arbeloa’s defense, pointing out that many players from Real Madrid Castilla featured in the match.

“There was little Arbeloa could do,” Sadovnik said on Fútbol de Primera, noting that the coach now faces his LaLiga debut followed by a Champions League match.

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