‘Nobody escapes this embarrassment’: Spanish papers pile into Real Madrid and label humiliating Copa del Rey exit to minnows Alcoyano ‘the worst defeat of the Zidane era’
- Real Madrid collapsed to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat by Alcoyano on Wednesday
- Zinedine Zidane admitted his job was on the line after Copa del Rey shock
- Spanish papers have not held back in condemnation of the Frenchman
The Spanish papers have not held back in their skewering of Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid as the inquest into their shocking Copa del Rey defeat gets into full swing.
Real were dumped out by 10-man third division side Alcoyano after extra time on Wednesday night, with Zidane left to admit that his job was on the line.
Spanish paper Marca boldly claim on Thursday morning that ‘Nobody escapes this embarrassment’ while calling it ‘the worst defeat of the Zidane era’.
Zinedine Zidane looks downcast as Real Madrid slip to a shock Copa del Rey defeat
Marca and Mundo Deportivo led the condemnation of Real’s defeat by minnows Alcoyano
Sport condemn Zidane for his failure to change things from the sidelines and report that he is under real pressure to bring home a trophy this season.
Mundo Deportivo describe it as a ‘humilation’, while AS simply labelled it an ’embarrassment’.
Third-tier minnows Alcoyano scored an unlikely extra time winner on Wednesday night to complete a memorable comeback after being reduced to 10 men
Eder Militao headed in a cross from Brazilian compatriot Marcelo to give Real the lead right at the end of the first half, but Alcoyano substitute Jose Solbes stabbed home following a corner to level for the hosts with 10 minutes remaining.
Karim Benzema looks dejected as Real are dumped out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday
Sport and AS also took aim at Zidane, who admits his job is on the line at the Bernabeu
Alcoyano’s Ramon Lopez picked up a second yellow card in the 110th minute for a foul on Casemiro to leave his side a man down, but instead of clinging on for penalties, the home side burst forward five minutes later and snatched a winner when midfielder Juanan turned in a cross from close range.
Zidane admitted after the game: ‘There is always talk whenever we lose,’ said Zidane after the 2-1 cup humiliation.
‘I assume responsibility and what has to happen will happen. I am very calm. The players want to win and they give everything to make that happen but sometimes it goes differently.’
‘If we score the second goal then it’s another game,’ added Zidane. ‘But that is football. Their keeper made two or three very good saves and the ball just did not want to go in. But I must take responsibility.’
Asked if it was an embarrassment, Zidane said: ‘No. We are expected to win because they are a third tier side but these things can happen in football. There is no shame. We are just going to keep working and not be driven crazy by this.’
Benzema and Eden Hazard get ready for the restart after Alcoyano scored their second
It was the first time Real have been taken to extra time by a lower division club since 2004
