Albacete enjoyed one of the greatest victories in their history last night when they eliminated Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey after defeating them 3-2.

Interestingly, former Real Madrid starlet Lorenzo Aguado, who left the club to join Albacete last summer, was one of the key figures in the victory.

The right-back started the game on the night at Estadio Carlos Belmonte and managed to ensure that Vinicius Jr. did not have a major influence on proceedings throughout the night.

Loren Aguado elated

Speaking to Radio MARCA earlier today, Aguado acknowledged that the match was “very special” both for him and for the city of Albacete, and highlighted the significance of the win.

“For the city it is something historic and for us something unique,” he said, explaining that the team and supporters experienced “a wonderful night, celebrating all together”.

On a personal level, the defender admitted that he was still processing everything he had experienced after knocking out the club where he grew up as a footballer.

“I’m still digesting it, but being able to compete against the best players in the world and beat them is something unique,” he stated.

The former Real Madrid academy player confessed that the equalising goal in stoppage time was a critical moment.

“Everything goes through your head, you even think more about extra time,” he said, although he highlighted the team’s ability to recover quickly and secure progression to the next round of the Copa del Rey.

The Albacete player explained that the key lay in the game plan and collective belief from the start, regardless of the opponent’s situation.

“From the first moment we knew we had a chance,” he assured, emphasising that the team focused on itself.

“Real Madrid are always Real Madrid, but we were clear that staying together, focused, and sticking to the plan was the key.”

Aguado also played down the importance of the change of coach at Real Madrid, insisting: “Real Madrid’s players are the best in the world, and we had to be very attentive to the details.”

Finally, Aguado assessed his duel with Vinicius on the night, acknowledging the challenge involved in going up against the Real Madrid superstar.

“You are never prepared for Vinicius to attack you, he is one of the best in the world. I had to defend Vini in some training sessions,” he said, suggesting that the training sessions at Real Madrid where he faced Vinicius helped him.