Atletico fall to Albacete
Atletico Madrid were dumped out of the King's Cup 3-1 on aggregate by third-tier Albacete on Wednesday in what may prove to be a humiliating swan song for embattled coach Gregorio Manzano.
On a night of last-32, second leg upsets, Atletico's struggling La Liga rivals Villarreal also suffered the ignominy of being eliminated by third-tier opposition when they fell 2-0 at home to Mirandes to exit 3-1 on aggregate.
The reverse at the Madrigal prompted the departure of coach Juan Carlos Garrido, with the club hovering just above the relegation places in the league following a spate of injuries to key players.
Real Zaragoza, who are bottom of La Liga, were undone by second-division Alcorcon 3-1 over the two legs and Cordoba, also of the second tier, claimed the scalp of top-flight side Real Betis on the away goals rule after the tie finished 2-2.
Atletico conceded after just under 20 seconds at their Calderon stadium. The Manchegans stole the ball immediately following the kickoff and forward Victor Curto surged forward before sending a low drive skidding into the bottom corner. Atletico had plenty of possession but hardly threatened the visitors' goal.
