The 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.
For 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.
Naturally, 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.
"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."
"We know Real Madrid’s potential, but we’ll have our chances and we’ll fight."
"We’ll do everything we can, with a full stadium and our fans behind us, which will give us an extra boost, as it did against Celta. I think it will be a great game."
Beating Real Madrid, however, requires something beyond the ordinary. Lizoain made it clear that standard levels will not be enough on the night.
"You have to be at 200%. It’s not enough to be at 90%. You have to be well above your capabilities to be able to compete against a rival like Madrid."
"And then there’s the support of our fans, of course."
Asked in a lighter moment which Madrid player he would remove if given the chance, Lizoain responded with honesty and humour before pointing out the obvious threats.
"I’d remove them all (laughs). It depends on the starting eleven, but Mbappé and Vinicius are the most decisive."
Finally, when challenged to make a promise should Albacete pull off a famous upset, the goalkeeper chose caution over bold declarations.
"I’m not one for promises because in football things happen, and then you have to fulfill them."
"Above all, I would be very happy to give the city a good show. I’d have to think about it, but I promise you that if we qualify, we’ll talk again and I’ll do something."