Schuster left in the firing line as Real's home guard is routed

It does not take much to cause a crisis at the Bernabeu – few clubs labour under such high expectations – but this week's elimination from the Copa del Rey has set alarm bells ringing at Real Madrid. On Tuesday night, Real, 17 times Spanish cup winners, were knocked out by Real Union, a club with a rich history but who are currently languishing in the third tier of the Spanish game. What is worse was the manner of the defeat: Los Merengues conceded three times at home, the third coming in the 90th minute, to be eliminated on away goals.

Real lost the first leg 3-2 in Irun but had come from behind to establish a 4-2 lead at the Bernabeu before Eneko Romo assured himself of a place in the history books with a late header to put the Basque side through.

It was the eighth goal that Real have conceded in three home matches in all competitions over the last week. The Real coach, Bernd Schuster, when asked why the defence was leaking so many goals, responded: "I have no idea." Veteran defender Michel Salgado was more forthcoming, if equally lacking in illuminating insight. He said: "They have scored six against us in two games and we need to analyse this. If the coach doesn't know what's going on in the defence, it's up to us to explain ourselves to him."

Real had made a lethargic start to the game and were soon behind after Union striker Paul Abasolo was left unmarked to fire past goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. However, Raul equalised with a looping header before the break, Aiser Salcedo restored Union's advantage, then Raul tapped in from Javier Saviola's pass a minute later to make it 2-2.

Real's Alberto Bueno swept in a glorious 30-yard shot to level the tie on aggregate and Raul looked to have sealed victory when he completed his hat-trick, his cross sailing past everyone and into the net with four minutes to go. But Real's defence, who leaked three goals at home to Malaga in La Liga on Saturday, were caught out again at the end when Romo struck.

Schuster rested a number of first-team regulars against Union but saw his already lengthy injury list grow as defenders Fabio Cannavaro and Christoph Metzelder both picked up knocks. One player who came out of the match with his reputation in tact was striker and captain Raul, whose hat-trick took his tally for the club to 300 goals.

"It's a very painful defeat for the team and the fans and there is no justification," Raul said. "This elimination is another low-point for this club that we defend, but it's not the first time it has happened either. We have been knocked out by a Segunda B team and we have conceded six goals. Now we have to analyse our mistakes, correct them and move forward with confidence. We have a lot of problems at the back. But all the goals that we have been conceding is an issue for the entire team."

However, the Madrid media are speculating that another poor showing away to Valladolid in the league on Saturday could see Schuster's position under serious threat. "There was no problem with our attitude," said the under-pressure coach, who helped Real win La Liga last season. "The problem in recent games is our opponents have had very few chances but have scored from them. They don't dominate us, they don't really put pressure on us, and without causing us too many problems they manage to score.

"This team is always willing to fight back, but you cannot keep doing it in every clash. It works in one game or two, but not always. The team is producing comebacks but you can't do it every time. It's worrying.

"I am not worried [about my position]," he added, "but I understand others are and they have doubts over the team and my work."

Romo's goal ensured a memorable night for a team steeped in Spanish football history. Real Union were founder members of La Liga and have won the cup three times before, in 1918, 1924 and 1927. Real Madrid were the victims on both of the latter two occasions but the club have had little to cheer since their relegation from the top flight in 1932.

"I think I'm still dreaming," coach Inaki Alonso said. "We knew it would be difficult but we always believed we had a chance. This is a historic moment in the lives of everyone at Real Union. We are all jumping and dancing and celebrating in the dressing room!"

"I haven't cried yet but I have come very close to tears. We have put ourselves on the world footballing map and the whole town of Irun should be very proud of us."

Not quite the Real deal: How Union compare to Madrid

* Madrid and Union were both awarded Real (Royal) approval by King Alfonso XIII in the 1920s but it is there that the similarities end.

* Union have only spent four seasons in Spain's top division. In comparison Madrid last season won their 31st La Liga title in 106 years in the top flight.

* Madrid's current squad includes eight Spanish internationals and 24 in total, whereas Union have produced only two Spanish internationals in their entire 93-year history.

* Union's surprise victory this week was the first time Madrid have been knocked out at home by a third division side in any cup competition.

* Beating Madrid has become something of a habit for Union, having beaten Los Galacticos in the final of the Copa del Rey in both 1918 and 1924. Englishman Steve Bloomer was Union's victorious manager in 1924.

* Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium holds 80,354 – Union have to make do with the 5,000 capacity Stadium Gal.