Real Madrid begins a new chapter under interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa as they face Albacete in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. This match marks Arbeloa’s first game in charge after Xabi Alonso’s unexpected departure, making it a crucial test for the former full-back’s leadership. Albacete, a Segunda División club, has already upset higher-ranked teams like Celta Vigo to reach this stage, posing a potential challenge for the Spanish giants.
When and Where to Watch
The match kicks off on Wednesday, January 14th, at:
- 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT in the US and Canada
- 8 p.m. GMT in the UK
- 7 a.m. AEDT (Thursday) in Australia
- 9 p.m. CET local time in Spain
Streaming Options by Region
- United States: The game will air live on ESPN Select.
- United Kingdom: Fans in the UK can watch on Premier Sports 2 and via the Premier Sports Player, with coverage starting at £8.
- Canada: No Canadian broadcaster currently holds the rights to stream this Copa del Rey match live.
- Australia: Similarly, no Australian network has secured broadcasting rights for this competition. La Liga matches are shown on BeIN Sports, but the Copa del Rey is not available.
Using a VPN for International Access
If you’re traveling abroad and want to stream the game from your home region, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help bypass geographical restrictions. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, enhancing privacy and security while streaming, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Note: Always check the terms of service for your streaming platform to ensure VPN usage is permitted.
Popular VPN options include ExpressVPN, currently offering a 73% discount on a two-year plan, starting at $3.49/month.
Why This Match Matters
This game is more than just a cup tie. Arbeloa’s debut as Real Madrid’s coach is under scrutiny. His ability to lead the team to victory against a lower-league opponent will be closely watched as he seeks to establish himself as a viable long-term replacement for Alonso. For Albacete, this is an opportunity to prove they can compete with elite teams and potentially secure a historic upset.
The Copa del Rey often provides unexpected results, making it a thrilling competition for fans and a high-stakes environment for coaches looking to make a name for themselves.
The outcome of this match will set the tone for Real Madrid’s cup run and significantly influence Arbeloa’s future with the club.
