Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid star points out the key changes with team under Arbeloa
Real Madrid appear to have entered a new phase after securing their third consecutive victory against Villarreal under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
The defeat in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona, which led to Xabi Alonso’s sacking, and the subsequent Copa del Rey elimination in Albacete under Arbeloa marked the lowest point of the season.
Now, however, the situation has improved and Arbeloa is gaining increasing support within the club and the fanbase.
Alvaro Benito points out the improvements under Arbeloa
Speaking on El Larguero (h/t SPORT), former Real Madrid midfielder turned commentator, Alvaro Benito, touched upon the improvement in performance from the team under Arbeloa.
“I don’t know what the key is, but the other day we saw a match like we hadn’t seen in a long time…,” he said.
The main difference, according to Benito, was that the team now showed “a willingness to work without the ball from minute one to minute 90”, and that there had been a clear change in mentality compared to the previous coaching period.
“It had been a long time since I had seen them move from midfield to high pressure’ with the ball in play,” Benito continued, highlighting one of the clearest signs of change.
Another key factor was improved defensive balance when Villarreal broke the first line of pressure. “The defensive recoveries were extremely intense,” he noted.
Faced with such an evident change in attitude, a clear question arises – what has had the greater influence, the departure of Xabi Alonso or the arrival of the new coach. For Benito, there is no single answer.
“There will be a bit of everything. The players are aware that they had to take a step forward because there was no longer any shelter. And because that is the path towards being competitive,” the former footballer explained.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
