Barcelona legend pokes fun at Alvaro Arbeloa after Real Madrid Copa del Rey humiliation | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s exit from the Copa del Rey has left a bitter taste among the club’s supporters, but has understandably brought joy in Barcelona. 

A defeat of this nature is never easy to digest, especially for a team expected to dominate domestic competitions. 

However, while Madrid fans were left frustrated and disappointed, the result sparked a very different reaction elsewhere, one filled with irony, sarcasm, and a familiar sense of rivalry.

Pique’s reaction to the event

Unsurprisingly, one of the loudest reactions came from former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. 

Known for never missing a chance to comment on Real Madrid’s misfortune, Pique once again placed himself at the centre of the conversation. 

This time, his attention was directed at Alvaro Arbeloa, who had just experienced his first match on the Real Madrid bench.

Following Real Madrid’s elimination at the hands of Albacete, Pique shared his take on the matter. 

Arbeloa lost on his managerial debut. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Within minutes, his message began circulating across social media platforms, quickly going viral. 

Reacting to Arbeloa’s debut as a coach and Madrid’s exit, Pique wrote, “Good debut for the new Madrid,” as reported by Mundo Deportivo. 

There is history

The context behind the comment makes it even more striking because Pique and Arbeloa were never close during their playing days. 

In fact, their relationship was shaped by constant competition and tension, both representing opposing sides during one of the most intense eras of El Clasico. 

Their on-field battles often reflected the wider Barça–Madrid rivalry, and that edge has clearly not faded with time.

As a result, Arbeloa’s first appearance on the Real Madrid bench presented Pique with the perfect opportunity to strike.