REAL MADRID SURGE: ARBELOA HAILS "PERFECT FIT" TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD AHEAD OF OSASUNA
Real Madrid is flying! Discover how Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return and Arbeloa’s tactics have Madrid eyeing a 5-point lead.
Real Madrid’s manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, talked about how the team’s been getting better lately and singled out Trent Alexander-Arnold for making a real difference since coming back from injury. On Saturday, Madrid has a shot to push their lead over Barcelona to five points at the top of La Liga. They’re also on track for the Champions League Round of 16.
Most reporters wanted to talk about the Prestianni-Vinicius situation, but in Madrid, the real buzz is about how much the team’s improved after a strong showing in Lisbon. Under Arbeloa, Madrid have won all five of their league matches.
“We want to keep growing, together and as individuals,” Arbeloa said. “When you first arrive, you spend time getting to know the players, figuring out what clicks. We’re focused on making sure everyone contributes, not just the starting eleven. All the good things you’re seeing come from the work of all 25 guys.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold keeps getting praise, too. Since coming back, he’s started twice in a row and looks more assured on Madrid’s right side.
“You can see it in the way he passes, his accuracy. He barely needs space or time. He gives the forwards an edge, making guys like Mbappé and Vini run. After his injury, he’s come back in great shape. That’s not easy. He fits perfectly with what we need. I’m really happy for him.”
As for who’s playing at centre-back against Osasuna, Arbeloa didn’t give much away.
“We’ve got five top centre-backs, and I hope Militao’s back soon. I’m glad to have almost everyone fit. We’ll watch how they train today, then make the call.”
Then there’s Jude Bellingham. With Madrid’s midfield looking balanced against Benfica, people are already wondering how Bellingham fits in, though he’s still out for a few more weeks with a hamstring injury.
“If I had to give up my arm to get Jude healthy by tomorrow, I’d do it,” Arbeloa said. “He’s a leader, one of the best around. What really makes me proud is how the team’s stepping up without him. That says a lot about this group. If I could give him a magic potion to speed up recovery, I’d do it. I have zero doubts about him, actually. It’s the opposite.”
ARBELOA CLAIMS MBAPPE PENALTY WAS VISIBLE FROM SPACE FOLLOWING GIRONA STALEMATE
Alvaro Arbeloa slams VAR for a "moon penalty" snub. Discover why Real Madrid is 6 points behind Barcelona today.
Alvaro Arbeloa wasn't holding back, criticising the decision not to give Kylian Mbappe a penalty, a moment that saw Real Madrid's La Liga title ambitions take yet another hit after their draw with Girona.
On Friday night, Real Madrid ultimately drew 1-1 with Girona; Federico Valverde's second-half goal was ultimately nullified by Thomas Lemar.
In the game's final moments, the home side was visibly incensed, believing Mbappe should have been awarded a crucial late penalty.
Mbappe had driven into the Girona penalty area when he was met by the outstretched arm of defender Vitor Reis.
The French forward subsequently fell to the ground inside the box, but his protests for a spot-kick were dismissed by both the referee and VAR.
The impact left Mbappe with blood on his face, compelling the Real Madrid star to seek treatment above his right eye after being struck by Reis' elbow.
Kylian Mbappe's face was bloodied following the elbow strike he sustained during the match against Girona.
Although the Real Madrid forward fell inside the area after contact from an outstretched arm, his pleas for a penalty went unheeded.
Despite the Real Madrid star needing medical attention, the VAR system ultimately chose not to intervene and award the spot-kick.
"That's a penalty call here on Earth, and it's a penalty on the moon," Arbeloa candidly told reporters after the match.
"It's just another one of those moments, another week where this happens. It simply is what it is, and nobody, myself included, truly grasps it."
"When exactly does VAR decide to step in? It seems to intervene only when it's convenient for them, and when it's not, it doesn't."
"You're already familiar with my stance on these matters; the evidence consistently supports it."
"It was a clear foul; in fact, they called a lesser foul on Kylian earlier that wasn't even close to being a penalty."
"We've faced numerous issues with officials. Whether it's this incident or the one in Mallorca, it often feels like the same narrative unfolding."
This draw consequently inflicted further harm on Real Madrid's prospects of closing the gap on their rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Arbeloa's team now trails Barcelona by six points, and the Catalan side still holds a game in hand.
Alvaro Arbeloa vocally criticised the officiating decisions made during their draw with Girona.
Thomas Lemar's equalising goal unfortunately led to Real Madrid losing additional points in the La Liga title contention.
As it stands, Real Madrid finds itself six points adrift of Barcelona, with the latter possessing a game yet to be played.
Barcelona has the opportunity to extend its lead to nine points when they host Espanyol on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid's focus will now inevitably shift back to the Champions League, where they aim to overcome a first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
During the midweek fixture, Arbeloa's squad suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to the formidable German side.
The crucial return leg is scheduled to take place at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
WHY DID REAL MADRID SELL VICTOR MUNOZ FOR €5M ONLY TO RETURN?
Discover how Real Madrid beat Barcelona to Victor Munoz while securing Nico Paz from Como for just €9 million.
Real Madrid is planning to strengthen their squad next summer by targeting several cost-effective signings, aiming to refresh a team that’s showing signs of age. The new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, has injected new energy, working alongside Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Angel, and Cesar Palacios. Still, the club is also focused on recalling some players he previously managed.
One of the more talked-about returns involves Como’s playmaker, Nico Paz. Real Madrid is set to activate a €9 million buyback clause this summer, bringing Paz back after he impressed in Italy. The Argentine, who was named Serie A’s Young Player of the Year last season, has developed into one of Europe’s promising talents.
Besides Paz, Los Blancos are keen on re-signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna. According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Madrid plans to bring the 22-year-old back this summer. Munoz left the club last year for €5 million, but the team holds an €8 million buyback option. There had been rumours of Barcelona showing interest, especially since Munoz spent time in La Masia, but it looks like Madrid will secure his return to the Bernabeu.
Munoz has had a breakthrough season at Osasuna, standing out with his pace and relentless running under coach Alessio Lisci. He’s made 31 appearances, scoring six goals and assisting five, and recently scored in his debut for Spain against Serbia. Osasuna even turned down a €25 million bid from Sunderland, signalling his rising value. The club’s sporting director, Braulio Vazquez, confirmed that Madrid’s buyback clause remains active for the early years of Munoz’s contract.
On the other hand, Jacobo Ramon and Chema Andres aren’t expected to return just yet. Alvarez de Mon notes that while Jacobo Ramon’s return is less likely, Chema Andres’s chances depend largely on Real Madrid’s moves in the transfer market. For now, the club seems content to keep monitoring their progress before deciding on a recall down the road.
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