Real Madrid’s Disappointing Loss: Arbelou Takes Responsibility

Setback Against Benfica

Real Madrid faced a disappointing outcome on Wednesday night, suffering a 4-2 defeat to Benfica Lisbon. This loss not only ended their hopes for a direct ticket to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League but also relegated them to ninth place, which only secures a position in the playoff round.

Post-Match Comments from Álvaro Arbelou

Following the match, Real Madrid’s coach, Álvaro Arbelou, expressed his accountability for the defeat, stating, “This loss is on me. I am to blame, just as I was after the loss to Albacete. I knew the qualities of Benfica; it was not unexpected, and we were aware of the atmosphere.”

When asked about the performance of key players Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, Arbelou disagreed with the notion that their lack of desire contributed to the defeat. “We were unable to maintain a high level for 90 minutes,” he remarked.

Tactical Decisions and Player Discipline

Regarding his substitutions during the match, Arbelou noted, “Many players had yellow cards, and I wanted to ensure we had players capable of stopping counter-attacks.” He also addressed the team’s struggles with discipline, saying, “It is frustrating because we cannot control our emotions. We are lacking in many areas.”

This defeat has left Real Madrid with much to reflect on as they prepare for the challenges ahead, needing to regroup to rise through the ranks in their upcoming matches.