Madrid Stunned by Third Division Alcorcon

• AP, Wednesday, October 28, 2009 4 PM

Third division club Alcorcon did more than surprise Spanish giants Real Madrid in Tuesday's Copa del Rey match. Alcorcon thrashed Madrid 4-0, dominating much of play.

The loss adds pressure to Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini, who has overseen a string of bad results recently, including a home defeat to AC Milan and a goalless draw against Sporting Gijon last week. Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano didn't address Pellegrini's future, but spoke of the loss as a learning experience. "We have to learn a lesson about humility (with this result)," he said. "I'm convinced that our group of very good players and professionals will turn this result around."

Pellegrini rested playmaker Kaka, opting for Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez as a creative midfielder in Alcorcon's 3,000-capacity Santo Domingo Stadium. At halftime, Pellegrini replaced the frustrated Guti, who received a yellow card in the first half, with Fernando Gago. Alcorcon pressured Madrid and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek throughout the first half, netting three goals. Fernando Borja added his second goal of the night in the second half as Alcorcon withstood more intense Madrid pressure late in the game to keep a shutout.

 

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