Real Madrid boss is mad: several players under suspicion
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 07.03.26. | 19:45
Troubles at the Bernabeu ahead of the Champions League clash against Manchester City
Real Madrid survived a tense night in Vigo. A stoppage-time strike from Fede Valverde sealed a 2–1 win for the visitors, pulling them within one point of leaders Barcelona - although the Catalans still face a tricky trip to Bilbao tonight.
Alvaro Arbeloa was unable to count on as many as ten first-team players due to injuries and suspensions, and his post-match comment that he was "satisfied with those who were able to come" was widely interpreted as a dig at certain squad members.
The Madrid coach did not name anyone directly, but Spanish media insist the atmosphere inside the dressing room has been far from ideal for some time. With the Champions League round-of-16 clash against Manchester City coming up on Wednesday, the former Castilla boss has little time to steady the ship.
According to Marca, one name stands out among the potential culprits: Eduardo Camavinga.
The French midfielder missed several training sessions last week due to severe tooth pain caused by cavities. He was, however, present with the squad before the trip to Galicia, which made his absence from the matchday list particularly noticeable.
There are also suggestions that Arbeloa's frustration could be aimed at players suspended for the trip to Vigo. Franco Mastantuono missed the game after the red card he received in stoppage time against Getafe, while Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras were sidelined due to yellow-card accumulation - bookings the club reportedly believes could have been avoided.
It's clear that Arbeloa, much like Xabi Alonso before him, has faced challenges managing certain attitudes within the squad. Scenes like Arda Guler's visible frustration when substituted only added to the sense of tension.
The coach's words after the Celta match may well have been intended as a wake-up call ahead of City's visit.
Still, there were positives. Despite the long list of absentees, Madrid secured three crucial points - and several academy players stepped up. Winger Thiago Pitarch started for the second consecutive match, while Cesar Palacios and the already proven Gonzalo Garcia came off the bench. Debutant Miguel Angel Moran also got a few minutes in stoppage time.
"We've already spoken about Pitarch - he deserves trust because of how he trains and plays," Arbeloa said. "He presses well, keeps possession, always looks for the right pass, moves intelligently and works hard off the ball. The same goes for Palacios, Garcia and Moran.
"We should value our academy more. It's true the club signs the best players in the world, but we also have to believe in our own system when it comes to young players."
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 27
Friday
Celta - Real Madrid 1-2 (1-1)
/Iglesias 25 - Tchouameni 11, Valverde 90+4/
Saturday
Osasuna - Mallorca 2-2 (0-1)
/Barja 89, Budimir 90+4 - Muriqi 35,61/
Levante - Girona IN PROGRESS
20.30: (1.63) Atletico Madrid (3.80) Sociedad (5.70)
23.00: (4.75) Ath.Bilbao (4.35) Barcelona (1.65)
Sunday
16.00: (1.50) Villareal (4.55) Elche (6.20)
18.15: (2.80) Getafe (2.85) Betis (2.95)
20.30: (2.50) Sevilla (3.05) Rayo Vallecano (3.10)
23.00: (2.10) Valencia (3.15) Alaves (3.95)
Monday
23.00: (1.95) Espanyol (3.40) Oviedo (4.10)
***odds are subject to change***