Albacete manager explains what truly made the difference against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Albacete’s unforgettable night in the Copa del Rey continued to resonate long after the final whistle, and no one embodied that emotion more than their head coach, Alberto Gonzalez. 

After guiding Albacete to a sensational 3–2 victory over Real Madrid in the round of 16, Gonzalez expressed his immense pride.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gonzalez said that the magnitude of the achievement had not yet fully sunk in. 

“We are ecstatic after eliminating Real Madrid, and now it’s time to digest all this and be aware of what we have achieved together.” 

Assessing the historic game

Rather than focusing only on tactics or individual performances, Gonzalez repeatedly returned to the idea of unity. 

For him, the bond between the players and the supporters played a decisive role on a night when belief mattered just as much as quality. 

“The communion between the fans and the team has been fundamental, because we had said that we needed an aura on the field like the one we had to enjoy our chances.”

Albacete have knocked out Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

That atmosphere, driven by a packed and vocal stadium, helped Albacete stand during difficult phases of the match. 

Yet Gonzalez was careful not to frame the result as a collapse from their opponents. Instead, he showed respect for Real Madrid’s history and resilience, even in defeat.

“Madrid is capable of anything. They have come out of more difficult situations and have won major titles despite defeats like this.”

Gonzalez also used the occasion to highlight the strength of Spanish football outside the top flight. 

He pointed out that this Copa del Rey run is not an accident, but proof of the competitive level in the Segunda Division. 

He concluded by saying, “In the Second Division, there are many high-level teams, as demonstrated yesterday, for example, by those who competed in the Copa del Rey, who were on the verge of qualifying for the next round.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo