Real Madrid’s interim coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, expressed confidence on Tuesday that his team is not “inferior” to Manchester City as they prepare for their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash. The first leg of this knockout tie is set to take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on March 13, 2024. Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to City during the group stage in December, Arbeloa stated that his players should approach the match with self-assurance.
The coach emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, saying, “We’re Real Madrid, we never feel less than anybody.” He acknowledged City’s recent success, notably their championship win two years ago, but insisted that his squad enters the match “with a lot of excitement.” Arbeloa underscored the need for a strong performance, stating, “Tomorrow we’ll play to win.”
In the lead-up to the match, Madrid’s form has been inconsistent, with two defeats in their last four matches across all competitions. Arbeloa noted that the format of the tie, which involves both home and away legs, alters the dynamic significantly compared to their previous encounter. “It’s important to get a good result for the second leg… We don’t want what happened last time to happen again, when we let it slip away because of our own mistakes,” he said.
Injury Concerns for Madrid Ahead of Key Match
Madrid will face City with several senior players unavailable, including stars Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema. Midfielder Toni Kroos is also sidelined due to a calf issue, confirmed on March 11, while David Alaba recently underwent surgery for a cruciate ligament injury. Arbeloa provided an update on Mbappé’s recovery, stating, “[Mbappé] is much better. It’s about going day by day, but this week has been very positive. We’re expecting him back soon.”
This matchup marks Arbeloa’s first time facing Pep Guardiola as a coach, having previously played against him more than a decade ago. He acknowledged Guardiola’s tactical prowess, saying, “[Pep] always has a surprise prepared.” Arbeloa noted that City’s strategies often include variations that can pose challenges for opponents, hinting at potential changes in their structure or lineup.
Referee Controversy and Barcelona’s Laporta
In a separate issue, Arbeloa responded to comments made by Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, regarding alleged referee favoritism towards Real Madrid. In a recent radio interview, Laporta claimed that Madrid has “dominated” the refereeing sphere historically. Arbeloa challenged this assertion, saying, “I think it was him who quadrupled the payments to [José María Enriquez Negreira]. It isn’t necessary to say much more.”
As the stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying match, both teams will look to secure an advantage ahead of the second leg. Madrid’s players will need to channel their legacy and experience to contend with a formidable City side, while Arbeloa’s leadership will be tested in this critical moment for the club.
