Real Madrid suffered a 4-2 away defeat to Benfica on Matchday 8 of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Following the match, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to Mexican media outlet TUDN.
How do you explain Real Madrid’s defeat tonight at the Estádio da Luz?
We played a match that was nothing like we expected. We failed to handle the difficulties Benfica posed, and we didn’t execute the game plan we’d clearly prepared. When things aren’t done the way they should be, there are no excuses.
From the key moments of the game, what do you think led to this loss?
In my opinion, it wasn’t down to one single moment, but the result of our overall performance over 90 minutes. We didn’t play like the team we want to be, nor did we replicate the form we showed in recent days. As I’ve said, there are plenty of areas we need to improve, and we have to keep working on them. We still have a long way to go.
Courtois looked extremely angry and was shouting loudly as he left the pitch. What’s the mood like in the dressing room after failing to reach the top eight?
This is a team with extremely high standards for itself, and the players are fully aware of their responsibilities. Finishing in the top eight was an important target for us, but we didn’t achieve it, so obviously no one is satisfied.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season and the upcoming play-off stage, what must the team learn from this match? What aspects of Real Madrid’s performance left you dissatisfied today?
I’ve made it clear already: we know we have a lot of work ahead. We’re a team with a new manager and plenty of new players, who need time to adapt to everything we’re trying to build. In that sense, we know we have a full season ahead of us. The campaign has only just begun, and we have to keep fighting until the end.
Did the atmosphere and pitch conditions put extra pressure on the players in the late stages of the game?
No. For these players, no stadium or stage can ever be a burden.
Zehadikmop
0
the Owner resins and vini jr out
AFerusmc6546
0
arbeloa how you dare to play with young boys in uefa,theydon'thave even experiencedhow uefa is ,you think this is castila league 🤔 ,really you disappointed us
So barca playing wit young bois winning is Wah de play he’s not good so accept d facts
lipbdlpru
0
Speak the truth Arbeloa, Jose Mourinho Tactics outplayed your team. Jose Mourinho tactically makes your team confused and even your attackers didn't find their way in.
saeaeiopy
0
.no hard work no enough training no real attacker
defenders are horrible
saeaeiopy
0
their defenders are worst
sam6602
0
I thought he said penality 😭
vekaelotz
0
arbeloar is stupid stop playing valvelde at defensive fuck u, u hv a lost of defender there fuck u 4ko4
ladcdopsy
0
benfica was looking for,four goals to qualify hahhah football
miadilmopy
3
Listen 🎶 carefully Arbeloa why did you start Arda Guler you played him Milfield you called yourself coach you didn't seeing that Real Madrid Milfield is strong 💪 because Arda Guler is not tacking balls next match start Camavinga not Arda Guler and Real Madrid didn't have defender's l don't know what Real Madrid president Florentino perez are doing the club is going down we fan's are not happy
irfanspengku
1
Imagine real vs benfica again in playoffs with real winning 🤣🤣, two matches it will be totally blockbuster
biacelnp
1
Axe Perez please . He expect coaches to perform miracles when he is not buying players. Teams like Man city, Chelsea, Arsenal, Buryen Munich and Baca continue to put fresh blood. He knows he has prune injury players who are always out but does nothing about it.He has over stayed and lost it completely.
SaidiPhiri
4
you can't play without structure and expect to win....this is not the Madrid we knew
fakbnoprsz
0
we are very disappointed with Madrid why are they interested in up coming coaches
AmhajAliy
0
arbeloa how you dare to play with young boys in uefa,theydon'thave even experiencedhow uefa is ,you think this is castila league 🤔 ,really you disappointed us
Zokbcdeimr
3
These players who play to make there own records not for the team
Naocdeintz
0
Madrid are in trouble with the defense and the midfield. Perez should spend money to sign suitable replacements of kroos, Modric and casemiro. Madrid should stop considering valverde as a Defender. That Real Madrid are not ready to win anything if signings are not made.
Bahdbois
0
Am tired oooo Real Madrid abeg just imagine 4:2 disgrace
wowadrsyz
0
Arbeloa and Xabi same WhatsApp group what's the difference playing ardar ,franco in a high demanding game the worst is yet to come for Madrid
Zehadikmop
3
.no hard work no enough training no real attacker
reeainps
1
Talkative coach Arbeloa
Duebdlop
2
i3iueshshy7
Fopcikmnuy
3
This is the beginning of a rough road. Alonso sleeps happily nowadays
nauikmosy
0
Real Madrid has a great problem. The team is built on player power( the players are more powerful than the coach). Secondly, the midfield and the defense are very weak. The so-called forwards never press or defend ,they only depend on individual brilliance. lastly, the monster mentality that Madrid was once known for is no more in this squad ,the majority of the players don't play for the badge anymore. if nothing is done to solve these problems, the team will win some game but will never win a major trophy again.
In short Madrid players are ill disciplined and unprofessional. 🤣
Fucbiklnst
1
I remember at man Jose told young to follow Salah everywhere he goes, and not to worry about the number he was playing. so it's possible, Madrid players were marked carelessly.
Fucbiklnst
1
it's true no need to worry, especially if lost against Mourinho team, he is a mastermind, he thrives in such games or moments.
Fenbdnruyz
4
Real Madrid has a great problem. The team is built on player power( the players are more powerful than the coach). Secondly, the midfield and the defense are very weak. The so-called forwards never press or defend ,they only depend on individual brilliance. lastly, the monster mentality that Madrid was once known for is no more in this squad ,the majority of the players don't play for the badge anymore. if nothing is done to solve these problems, the team will win some game but will never win a major trophy again.