On October 27, 2009, Real Madrid faced Segunda División B side Alcorcón in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 32 at the Estadio Santo Domingo. In what became one of the most shocking upsets in Spanish football history, Alcorcón defeated Real Madrid 4-0, creating a massive advantage ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Alcorcón: 4 (Borja 16′, 52′, Álvaro Arbeloa 22′ (own goal), Ernesto Gómez 40′)
- Real Madrid: 0
- Possession:
- Real Madrid had 61% possession, while Alcorcón had 39%. Despite Madrid’s control of the ball, Alcorcón’s effective pressing and quick transitions caused significant problems for the Spanish giants.
- Shots:
- Alcorcón registered 12 shots, with 6 on target, demonstrating their clinical finishing and efficiency in front of goal. Real Madrid had 13 shots, with 5 on target, but they struggled to break down Alcorcón’s disciplined defense and failed to convert their chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Real Madrid had a passing accuracy of 83%, completing 497 passes out of 599 attempts. Alcorcón had a lower passing accuracy of 68%, completing 185 passes out of 272 attempts. However, Madrid’s superior passing stats did not translate into effective attacking play, while Alcorcón made the most of their more direct approach.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Alcorcón made 20 tackles compared to Real Madrid’s 12, showcasing their determination to disrupt Madrid’s play and protect their lead. Alcorcón’s defense was resolute, effectively neutralizing Madrid’s attacking threats, including Raúl and Karim Benzema.
- Set Pieces:
- Alcorcón’s goals came from a combination of open play and an own goal. The first goal came in the 16th minute when Borja scored with a close-range finish after a defensive error by Real Madrid. Álvaro Arbeloa’s own goal in the 22nd minute doubled Alcorcón’s lead, and Ernesto Gómez made it 3-0 in the 40th minute with a well-placed shot. Borja added his second and Alcorcón’s fourth in the 52nd minute, completing the rout.
- Individual Performances:
- Borja was the standout performer for Alcorcón, scoring twice and leading the line with confidence. Ernesto Gómez and Fernando Béjar also played crucial roles, contributing to the attacking and defensive efforts that overwhelmed Real Madrid. For Real Madrid, Guti and Raúl were among the more experienced players, but they struggled to make an impact against a determined Alcorcón side.
- Tactical Overview:
- Alcorcón, managed by Juan Antonio Anquela, employed a compact and disciplined 4-4-2 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick counter-attacks. Real Madrid, under Manuel Pellegrini, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, but they were unable to impose their game plan due to Alcorcón’s relentless pressure and Madrid’s own defensive lapses.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Alcorcón. Nagore and Rubén Sanz were booked for fouls aimed at breaking up play and preventing Real Madrid from building momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Real Madrid won 7 corners compared to Alcorcón’s 4, reflecting their attempts to create chances through set pieces. However, Alcorcón’s defense dealt well with these situations. Both teams were caught offside twice, as they tried to break through the opposition’s defensive lines.
Summary
Alcorcón’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 is remembered as one of the most extraordinary upsets in the history of the competition. Despite being heavy underdogs and playing in the third tier of Spanish football, Alcorcón delivered a performance of grit, discipline, and clinical finishing to humiliate one of the world’s most illustrious clubs.
Real Madrid, despite dominating possession, were lackluster and disorganized, particularly in defense, where they were repeatedly exposed by Alcorcón’s direct approach. The defeat was a massive embarrassment for Real Madrid, especially given their star-studded lineup, and it put them in a nearly impossible position heading into the second leg.
Alcorcón’s victory was a testament to the magic of the Copa del Rey, where lower-tier teams have the opportunity to create history against football giants. For Real Madrid, the loss sparked significant criticism and introspection, with the result becoming a symbol of their struggles in domestic cup competitions during that period.
This match remains a vivid example of how determination, tactical discipline, and a fearless approach can lead to remarkable achievements, even against the most formidable opponents.
