Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has taken to social media to comment on the surprising exit of Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey. In a shocking turn of events, Madrid was eliminated in the last 16 by lowly Albacete, suffering a 3-2 defeat on the evening of January 24, 2024. This match marked a challenging debut for new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who faced immediate scrutiny following the result.
Pique’s reaction was swift, as he shared his thoughts on the King’s League Twitch channel. “Good debut for the new Madrid,” he remarked, highlighting the irony of the situation. His comment reflects the rivalry between the two clubs, intensifying the narrative surrounding Madrid’s recent performance.
This defeat adds to a dismal week for Los Blancos. Just days earlier, on January 21, 2024, Madrid lost to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. The disappointing results prompted the club to part ways with manager Xabi Alonso, further compounding the turbulence within the organization.
Madrid’s exit from the Copa del Rey eliminates the possibility of a Clasico clash in the tournament this season. Barcelona is scheduled to play against Racing later in the week. Racing has already made headlines by eliminating Villarreal from the competition, making them a formidable opponent for Barcelona, who are considered favorites to advance.
As the football season progresses, both clubs will be eager to regain their footing. Madrid’s leadership will be under pressure to turn around their fortunes, while Barcelona seeks to capitalize on their rivals’ misfortunes. The dynamics of this intense rivalry continue to unfold, with fans keenly watching the next developments in both teams’ campaigns.
