Revolution or Disaster? Arbeloa Faces MAJOR Test in Critical Madrid Clash! 🚨
Arbeloa's first big challenge as Madrid boss against Levante. A win is vital to keep La Liga hopes alive after a tough start. Can he turnaround the ship?
Alvaro Arbeloa steps into a high-pressure role as Real Madrid gear up to face Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday. Anything less than a win would seriously damage their chances of overtaking Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
His debut as head coach was far from ideal, with a 3-2 loss to Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16. The defeat not only crushed the squad’s spirits but also wiped out any goodwill generated by his appointment.
Coinciding with Arbeloa’s 43rd birthday, a victory against the 19th-placed Levante would be the perfect boost, narrowing Barca’s lead to just one point and giving Madrid some breathing room to regroup.
Looking ahead, Madrid face Monaco in the Champions League next week, a crucial game as they aim to secure a top-eight finish and steer clear of the tricky play-off phase.
Despite Levante’s struggles near the relegation zone, they can’t be underestimated, especially if Madrid fail to raise their game significantly.
Spanish media didn’t hold back after the cup loss. AS called this "surely the worst Real Madrid side in many years," while Marca wrote that the club “are staring in the mirror and not recognising themselves.”
We've hit rock bottom.
— Dani Carvajal
This is something that will make me improve, and it has to make everyone better.
— Alvaro Arbelo
The young guns, Franco Mastantuono and Arda Guler, both had bright starts this season but faltered after losing their places under predecessor Alonso. They started against Albacete but failed to impress, despite Mastantuono netting a scrappy goal.
Arbeloa also gave opportunities to two reserve team players he coached until recently, though mainstays like Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes are expected back for the Levante game after being rested for the upset in Albacete.
Top scorer Kylian Mbappe is unlikely to feature until the Champions League showdown with Monaco as he recovers from a knee sprain. But with Madrid’s precarious position, that could change.
Meanwhile, Barcelona remain unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions and will face Real Sociedad.
Sociedad, under new American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, are yet to lose and will look to exploit spaces behind the visitors’ defence, hoping striker Mikel Oyarzabal can bounce back from scoring an own goal in their recent Copa del Rey win against Osasuna.
