RReal Madrid have had a very difficult year. At the beginning of the season, it seemed like the team would make a huge leap forward under manager Xabi Alonso, who had just enjoyed historic success with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. However, following a series of poor performances and rumors of a breakdown in the locker room, he was fired to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
With no experience coaching in the top flight and at a disadvantage, Arbeloa has taken on the challenge, brought Vini back into the spotlight and made some adjustments, but the Merengue are still unstable and could beat the most successful team of the past decade in the Premier League or suffer defeat at the hands of a second division team, but each time they have played better football and, above all, shown more team harmony.
Arbeloa is currently at the helm of an ambitious project and, despite being a few points behind Barcelona, has a realistic chance of reaching the Champions League final and remaining in La Liga.
Arbeloa beats Josep Guardiola in the Champions League
The merengue team defeated Pep Guardiola’s City 5-1 on aggregate to qualify for the next round of the Champions League. After this victory, Arbeloa successfully removed Mourinho and Josep Guardiola, two of the most successful managers in history, a remarkable achievement for a new manager.
When asked about this feat in a press conference, the Real Madrid manager continued to delight Real Madrid fans by praising his players with grace and humor. “I have some great players,” Arbeloa replied.
How will Real Madrid, led by Arbeloa, play?
For many, Arbeloa’s team is still far from their signature style, but it proved effective in the Champions League. Playing in their usual 4-3-3 formation without a No. 9 due to Mbappe’s injury, Arbeloa chose to play in midfield, relying on players who can make the final pass such as Brahim Diaz and Arda Güler, as well as promising young players such as Thiago Pitalucci.
They also reinstated Trent Alexander-Arnold into the starting XI, allowing Fede Valverde to progress even further, although he is still far from the level he displayed during his time at Liverpool, and was key to reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Real Madrid upcoming matches
Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid | March 22 Mallorca vs Real Madrid | April 4 Real Madrid vs (opponents to be determined) | April 7 | Champions League, first leg Real Madrid vs Girona April 12 (rivals to be determined) vs. Real Madrid | April 14 | Champions League, second leg
