Atletico Madrid humiliated by third division Albacete

Dec 21, 2011, 21:14 GMT

Madrid - Atletico Madrid's crisis intensified on Wednesday with elimination from the King's Cup at the hands of third division side Albacete.

Atletico crashed out on a humiliating 3-1 aggregate, losing 1-0 at home on Wednesday after going down 2-1 in Albaceter two weeks ago. It was the biggest Spanish cup upset since Real Madrid crashed out against Alcorcon in 2009.

The only goal on Wednesday was scored by Albacete striker Victor Curto after just 20 seconds, with a fierce long drive that took Atletico keeper Sergio Asenjo by surprise.

Atletico - who are in disappointing 10th place in La Liga - tried to turn the game around but were held back by their own nervousness and lack of self-confidence.

From start to finish, the long-suffering fans in the Estadio Calderon chanted for the head of coach Gregorio Manzano, who is about to be sacked.

According to media reports, the hapless Manzano will be replaced by Argentine Diego Simeone, who was one of the Atletico heroes when they did the league-and-cup-double in 1996.

On Tuesday, Real Madrid cruised into the third round on a 7-1 aggregate against third division Ponferrada, and Sevilla overcame San Roque on a 3-1 aggregate.

The second round ties will finish on Thursday, with Barcelona at home to L'Hospitalet after winning the first leg 1-0, and with Valencia at home to Cadiz after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.