Story byAlbacete goalkeeper explains the key to beating Real Madrid – ‘Not enough to be at 90%’Madrid UniversalWed, January 14, 2026 at 8:20 AM UTC·3 min readThe Copa del Rey often delivers stories where belief meets history, and Albacete’s round of 16 clash against Real Madrid has already captured the imagination of the city. Ahead of the high-profile encounter, Albacete goalkeeper Raul Lizoain sat down with Mundo Deportivo to share his thoughts on what the match means for the club and the players preparing to face one of football’s biggest institutions. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor Albacete, hosting Real Madrid is an event that has transformed the mood across the city. When asked about the atmosphere in the build-up to the game, Lizoain highlighted how rare and special this moment feels for everyone connected to the club.“There’s a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and buzz throughout the city. “It’s been a long time since a team of Real Madrid’s stature has come to the city, and everyone is looking forward to the match,” he said. About the matchNaturally, attention turned to the draw itself and whether there was any preference for the opponent. Lizoain explained that the squad understood what was coming once they reached this stage of the competition. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“No, we knew that it would most likely be a Super Cup team and everyone had their own preference.”Looking ahead to the match, the goalkeeper offered a grounded and realistic assessment of what awaits both teams. He expects a contest defined by intensity and effort rather than reputation alone. “Well, a tough, hard-fought match for both sides.