Epic cupset in Alcorcón

It wouldnt be an understatement to say tonight was the most humiliating night of Real Madrid´s 107 history. After poor showings against AC Milan and Valladolid, this trip to lowly Alcorcón in the cup was supposed to get the Bernabeu bandwagon back on track. A strong lineup including Raul, Benzema, Guti, Van der Vaart and Albiol was sent out by Pelligrini, with the aim of getting Madrid back into the winning habit. What happened next will haunt ´Madridistas´ for years to come.

Madrid never got into their stride and were hounded by a rampant Alcorcón side, who could easily have scored six or seven, but had to settle for four. Alcorcón are currently 17th in the Segunda B league (Third tier), with this match-up being the spanish equivalent of Man Utd v Leyton Orient. Upsets in cup competitions are an occupational hazard for top teams, but the manner of this defeat, as well as the scoreline (4-0), will hit hard into the very core of Real Madrid Football Club. Fans are predictably calling for Pelligrini´s head, and the clubs directors were seen lurking around the changing rooms both a half-time and the final whistle, which is never a good sign.

One has to feel for poor Manuel Pelligrini. He is a humble and likeable guy and, as his exploits with Villarreal would testify, an excellent manager. But the nature of Real Madrid, and the extent of Florentino´s summer spending, demands instant success. When will they learn that it´s continuity that breeds success and not a blank chequebook?

(The chap celebrating in the photo is Borja López of Alcorcón, who notched two goals in tonights rout. He now boasts six goals against Real Madrid in his career, all in cup competition)