Real Madrid News
Arbeloa talks Valverde, Vinicius, Pitarch, Mendy, Courtois after Real Madrid 3-0 Manchester City
It was a special night at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who enjoyed one of the most memorable victories of his early tenure on the biggest stage in European football.
Real Madrid produced a dominant display in the UEFA Champions League, beating Manchester City 3-0 in front of a roaring home crowd.
The night belonged to Federico Valverde, whose stunning hat trick decided the contest and gave the Spanish giants a huge advantage.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa admitted the result meant a lot to the team after some doubts had surrounded them before the game.
The Real Madrid coach highlighted the collective effort shown by his players throughout the match.
“They’ve worked very hard for this result.
“I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved. They deserve it, they’ve suffered,” said the Real Madrid coach.
Arbeloa also addressed the doubts that had surrounded the team ahead of the tie and explained how the players responded with character and belief.
“It’s clear that the feelings we were getting from outside weren’t very confident. We’ve shown that we are Real Madrid and we must never be counted out.”
Valverde the hero of the night
While the team’s performance impressed, the spotlight naturally fell on Valverde.
The Uruguayan midfielder was deployed in a more advanced role against Manchester City and delivered a sensational performance.
Arbeloa was full of praise for the midfielder and revealed how highly he rates the player.
“It doesn’t matter where you put him. I almost get tired of talking to him.”
The manager then made a striking comparison to underline what Valverde represents for the club.
“He’s the Juanito of the 21st century. Everything a Real Madrid player dreams of being is Fede Valverde. He deserves a night like this,” said Arbeloa.
Bernabeu support for Vinicius
Another moment that stood out during the game was the reaction of the Bernabeu crowd towards Vinicius Jr.
Despite missing a penalty during the match, the Brazilian forward received strong support from the fans inside the stadium.
Arbeloa appreciated the gesture from the supporters and praised the atmosphere created by the crowd.
“I really liked how the Bernabeu gave Vincius a standing ovation,“ even though he missed a penalty. ”If there’s anyone who knows how to bounce back, it’s him.”
When asked about the penalty order, Arbeloa made it clear that the responsibility still belongs to Vinicius.
“Vini is the penalty taker and I’m very happy with how the Bernabéu reacted and how they applauded him.”
Injury concern for Ferland Mendy
The victory did come with a concern, however, as Ferland Mendy picked up an injury during the match.
Arbeloa admitted the situation does not look very encouraging and explained that the club had already taken a risk by playing the defender after a long absence.
“He’s injured, yes. It doesn’t look good. I appreciate his effort. We took a risk by playing him in two consecutive games after such a long layoff.
“I took the risk and I thank him for it. It’s wonderful to be able to coach him.
“It’s too early to say, but it’s unlikely he’ll be fit for Tuesday.
“I’d like to thank Ferland because we took a risk, but he’s an exceptional player and he’s shown his ability as a footballer and the level he’s at.”
Praise for Pitarch and Courtois
Arbeloa also spoke about young prospect Thiago Pitarch, who impressed despite the pressure of playing such a big Champions League match at a young age.
The coach acknowledged that selecting such a young player in a knockout game might raise questions but praised the teenager’s attitude and commitment.
“I understand that putting an 18-year-old in a knockout game like this can raise doubts, but the effort he puts in, the commitment. The fans gave him a well-deserved ovation.”
Finally, Arbeloa reserved special praise for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose saves once again proved crucial for Real Madrid.
“I never like these comparisons, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like Courtois. It’s like an extra ball you get in every game. We’re incredibly lucky to have him in goal.
“With him, we know that our opponents will have to do a lot of things right and make almost impossible shots to score a goal,” he concluded.
Source: AS
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.
