Alvaro Arbeloa has thrown his full backing behind Real Madrid to bounce back against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
Speaking after the Bernabeu encounter, Arbeloa admitted the result was frustrating, especially given how the match unfolded.
However, he quickly shifted focus toward the return leg, stressing belief and resilience as key factors heading into Germany.
“It’s a defeat we could perhaps have avoided in the second half with a bit more luck. We faced a very strong team, and we knew it,” he said.
“We made two mistakes, two turnovers, which we had discussed before the match and during halftime, and we knew we had to avoid them.
“And, above all, be prepared to defend much more defensively if they occurred. Against teams like this, if you make these kinds of mistakes, you pay the price.”
Despite the setback, Madrid managed to find the net, something Arbeloa believes could prove crucial as the tie progresses.
“It’s clear we scored a goal that has given us hope, and the shame is that we didn’t convert some of the chances we had.
“It won’t be easy, but if any team can win in Munich, it’s Real Madrid.”
As the contest heads into the decisive phase, Arbeloa highlighted Madrid’s attacking threat and the lessons learned from the first leg.
With momentum still up for grabs, he remains confident his side can turn the tide.
“We’ve shown we can hurt them and score goals. We had plenty of chances to score more.
“We’re going to learn a lot from what happened and how they played.”
He also acknowledged the preparation gap between both sides, pointing out the Bavarians’ stability under their current system compared to Madrid’s limited build-up time.
“We’ve come into this tie practically without any preparation on the pitch, which isn’t easy for a team like us that isn’t as match-fit as Bayern.
“Who have been with their coach for a long time and know exactly what they want.”
Nonetheless, the message from the Madrid camp remains clear—belief is non-negotiable as they gear up for the second leg showdown.
“With that confidence in our players, we’re going to Germany.
“Anyone who doesn’t believe it can stay in Madrid, because we’re going all out for the win in Germany.”
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
