Albacete Balompie vs Real Madrid CF Prediction 14 January 2026

Albacete’s start to 2026 has been underwhelming. They opened the year with a 3–1 defeat to Leganés and followed it up with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad B, results that have seen them slip to 17th place in the Segunda División. Despite their league struggles, the Whites have enjoyed an impressive cup run, eliminating San Fernando (3–0), Leganés (2–1), and Celta Vigo (3–2) to reach this stage of the competition.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are only just entering their Copa del Rey campaign. The Blancos arrive on the back of a painful 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, and their domestic situation isn’t entirely comfortable either. In La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain just behind their archrivals, and even consecutive home wins over Sevilla (2–0) and Real Betis (5–1) have not been enough to close the gap.

With league and Super Cup hopes fading, the Copa del Rey represents a crucial opportunity for Real Madrid to secure silverware this season. Given the gulf in quality and current form, it’s hard to see Albacete offering sustained resistance.

Real Madrid to win with -1.5 Asian handicap 1.76