THE ARBELOA STANCE: WHY REAL MADRID’S COACH DEMANDS A HISTORIC PRECEDENT FOR VINICIUS JR
Action needed: Discover why Alvaro Arbeloa is challenging UEFA to punish Gianluca Prestianni and support Vinicius Jr. in Madrid.
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa wants to see UEFA back up its anti-racism talk with real action after forward Vinicius Jr said he was racially abused during last week’s Champions League match in Lisbon.
The incident happened during the first leg of the knockout round against Benfica. Vinicius, who scored the game’s only goal, says Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni targeted him with racist abuse soon after he found the net.
Prestianni, a 20-year-old winger from Argentina, denies it. Still, UEFA hit him with a one-game provisional suspension, so he’ll miss the return leg in Madrid on Wednesday.
“This is a big chance to actually move the fight against racism forward,” Arbeloa told reporters on Tuesday. “UEFA’s always talked a good game about this issue, but now they can show they mean it. I hope they don’t just stick to slogans and banners this time.”
Vinicius, 25, picked up a yellow card for celebrating his goal in front of Benfica’s fans. Benfica manager Jose Mourinho later accused him of being disrespectful and stirring up the crowd.
But Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pushed back. He said Vinicius’s celebration was nothing out of the ordinary and that it never justifies racist abuse.
“Mourinho’s going to defend his club and his player; that’s normal,” Courtois said. “What bothers me is blaming Vini’s celebration. He didn’t do anything wrong. Opponents celebrate in front of us all the time, especially when they score. It happens, and we move on. There’s no excuse for racism, period.”
Arbeloa called Vinicius a “fighter” and said he’s sure the Brazilian will prove himself on the pitch at the Bernabeu.
“Vini Junior has always had guts and personality,” Arbeloa said. “Honestly, I don’t know how anyone else would handle what he’s faced. He’s always stood tall, and that’s just how he is. He’ll show up tomorrow ready to fight, ready to show he’s one of the world’s best.”
The first match was stopped for ten minutes after Vinicius told the referee what happened, and Real Madrid’s players walked off the field for a bit. There were also reports of racist gestures from fans in the stands at Benfica’s stadium. UEFA says Prestianni could face more punishment once their ethics inspector finishes a full investigation.
On the Benfica side, club president Rui Costa stood by Prestianni and confirmed they’re appealing the suspension.
“I wasn’t on the pitch to hear what was said, but you can imagine how heated things get,” Costa told reporters at Lisbon airport. “We trust our player. He’s being labelled a racist, and I can promise you he’s nothing of the sort. That's why we have faith in him.”
Mourinho, who’s been criticised for his comments, won’t speak at the usual pre-match press conference.
Costa added, “We’ve appealed because nothing’s been proven, so there’s no real reason Prestianni should miss this game.”
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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