Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Saturday, 02 May 2026, 14:50 / Updated on Saturday, 02 May 2026 14:50
The coach of Real Madrid, Alvaro Arbeloa (43 years old), prefaced Sunday's game with Espanyol, in La Liga. With five stages remaining, Madrid are 11 points behind leader Barcelona, and the chances of the title are minimal.
One of the main topics of the conference was the alleged conflict with Dani Ceballos.
The technician avoided commenting: “I don't enter into public debates about situations with my players. The first thing I learned when I came here 20 years ago is that what happens in the Real Madrid dressing room stays there.”
Alvaro Arbeloa, statements before Espanyol – Real Madrid: “Every match is decisive”
About the match against Espanyol, Arbeloa said: “I expect a duel between two teams that need victory, for different reasons.
It's a tough field with a fantastic crowd and a great coach. I have seen very good things at Espanyol this season and I have a lot of respect for them.”
Asked about the future, the coach remained firm on his positions: “I understand the questions, but my answer is the same. The future is tomorrow. At Real Madrid, every match is decisive.”
Arbeloa admitted that the team lost important points: “We conceded points in matches where we shouldn't have. Real Madrid can't afford that if they want the title. There are also situations that don't depend on us, as happened in the games with Betis and Girona.
The results are below the expected level. Today you no longer win by individual value alone. We need organization, a clear plan and collective play. We need to know exactly what each player is doing and how we can destabilize the opponent. Without these things, we pay with lost points”, concluded Arbeloa.
If Real Madrid is in 2nd place and has only a theoretical chance for the title, Espanyol is 13th with 39 points and has not yet ensured its retention in La Liga.
In the round, Real prevailed at home, score 2-0.
The up-to-date standings in La Liga
