Real Madrid News
Arbeloa makes history at Real Madrid with stunning Champions League achievement
Alvaro Arbeloa may still be finding his feet as Real Madrid manager, but there is already no denying the mark he is beginning to leave.
The Spaniard’s tenure has not been without turbulence. A difficult run of results earlier in the campaign raised questions about his ability to handle the job at the highest level.
However, recent performances have shifted the story, with convincing victories over Manchester City and Elche restoring belief around the team.
Now, apart from the results, Arbeloa has achieved something far more remarkable.
What’s the story?
According to AS, during the current Champions League campaign, the Real Madrid boss has entered an exclusive club by defeating both Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola in the same season.
The journey began earlier in the competition when Madrid were forced into a playoff tie against Mourinho’s Benfica.
Arbeloa’s side produced a controlled performance, securing a 3-1 aggregate win to progress without major complications.
In the Round of 16 first leg, Madrid faced Guardiola’s Manchester City. Yet, in a result few predicted, Los Blancos secured a stunning 3-0 victory, putting themselves firmly in control of the tie.
With those two results combined, Arbeloa became only the third manager in history to achieve this rare milestone and the first Real Madrid manager to do so.
Who were the others?
Before him, only Kasper Hjulmand and Raphael Wicky had managed to defeat both Mourinho and Guardiola in the same Champions League campaign.
Hjulmand accomplished the feat with Bayer Leverkusen this season, recording away wins against both Benfica and Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Wicky achieved it with Basel during the 2017–18 campaign, famously beating Mourinho’s Manchester United and later securing a memorable victory over City, even if it was not enough to progress.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
