After a difficult campaign marked by pressure and criticism, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa chose to focus on the positives following his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Sunday evening. The decisive moment came through Vinicius Jr., whose goal secured all three points away from home and ensured Madrid ended the night with a much-needed win after weeks of frustration around the club. Speaking after the match, Arbeloa admitted that the season has fallen below the expectations set at the beginning of the year, but he still defended his squad’s commitment, especially the attacking stars Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe.
When asked which of the two forwards had impressed him more this season, the Madrid coach explained that he remains pleased with both players despite the club’s overall struggles. “I’m very satisfied with everyone. We’re well aware that we haven’t met the targets we set ourselves and that we always want to improve. I’ve been here four months, and I think both of them have tried to give their best. They’re two of the five most game-changing players in the world, for sure. Real Madrid are lucky to have both of them. Today it was Vini’s turn to score a goal, but Kylian did a great job and it’s a shame he couldn’t score one too. Let’s see if he has better luck next weekend.”
The victory was only Real Madrid’s third in their last eight matches across all competitions, a stretch that has seen them fall out of the La Liga title race and suffer an early Champions League exit. Arbeloa, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in January 2026 after a string of poor results, has faced intense scrutiny. The former Real Madrid defender, known for his passionate displays as a player, has struggled to replicate that fire on the sideline as a manager. However, his ability to motivate Vinicius and Mbappe has been a bright spot. The two forwards have combined for 38 goals this season, though their performances have often been overshadowed by defensive lapses and midfield inconsistencies.
Despite the positive result, the night was not completely perfect for Real Madrid. Arbeloa also confirmed that several first-team players are currently dealing with physical discomfort ahead of the final La Liga fixture against Athletic Club. The manager revealed that Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Dean Huijsen all picked up knocks during the game. “Yes… Vini has come off with a niggle. Aurelien Tchouameni wasn’t 100% either today. Dean Huijsen has taken a knock. Well, we’ll see how the week goes and if we can get them fit for the weekend,” Arbeloa said. However, he quickly eased fears by insisting the injuries do not appear serious at this stage. “Ah, no, no. I think it’s just a bit of a nuisance. And that there’s nothing particularly serious.”
The injuries occurred on a heavy pitch at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where Sevilla had pressed fiercely throughout the match. Vinicius, who scored in the 67th minute after a slick one-two with Federico Valverde, was substituted in the 81st minute with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Tchouameni, who started in defensive midfield, was also replaced late on, while young center-back Huijsen, a 21-year-old Dutchman signed from Juventus last summer, took a knock to his ankle during a collision with Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri. Huijsen has been a revelation this season, forming a solid partnership with David Alaba, and his potential absence would be a blow for the Athletic Club match.
Looking ahead to the final La Liga clash of the season against Athletic Club, Arbeloa emphasized the importance of ending the campaign on a positive note. “It will be a day of farewells for some players and we must try to put in a good performance in front of our fans. We’re going to defend this shirt right up to the last second, and so will I.” Several players, including Luka Modric, who is expected to leave at the end of his contract, and backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, may be playing their final home game for the club. Real Madrid are currently fourth in La Liga with 70 points, ten points behind leaders Barcelona and two points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid. A victory against Athletic Club, who are sixth, would guarantee Madrid a spot in next season’s Champions League group stage, though they have already qualified via their position.
The match against Athletic Club also holds sentimental value for Arbeloa, who spent seven seasons as a player at Real Madrid, winning two Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies. As a manager, he has won only 12 of his 25 games in charge, drawing six and losing seven. His tenure has been marred by inconsistent tactics and a failure to address defensive frailties. However, the win over Sevilla, combined with improved performances from Vinicius and Mbappe, has given fans a glimmer of hope for the future. The club’s hierarchy has publicly backed Arbeloa, but reports suggest he may be replaced if Madrid fail to win their final match or if they stumble early next season.
In the broader context of La Liga, Real Madrid’s struggles have been unusual. The club dominated Spanish football for years, winning four of the last six league titles under Zinedine Zidane and Ancelotti. However, the departure of key players like Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos, combined with aging stars and failed big-money signings, has left a void. The club spent heavily in the summer of 2025, bringing in Huijsen, but they missed out on Jude Bellingham’s successor in midfield. The emergence of youth academy products like 19-year-old midfielder Nico Paz has provided some relief, but the team still lacks depth in key positions.
Vinicius Jr., who turns 26 in July, has been Real Madrid’s most consistent performer this season, with 22 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. His dribbling ability and pace have tormented defenders, but his finishing has occasionally let him down. Mbappe, who joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in July 2025, has scored 16 goals but has struggled with injuries and adaptation to Spanish football. Arbeloa has tried to deploy them as a duo in a 4-4-2 formation, with Mbappe playing off Vinicius. While the partnership has shown flashes of brilliance, it has not yet reached the heights expected of two of the world’s best players.
Tchouameni, 26, has had a solid season after a disappointing campaign in 2024-25. The French international has started 28 of Madrid’s 37 La Liga matches, providing defensive solidity but lacking the creativity of his midfield partners. Huijsen, meanwhile, has been a revelation. The towering defender, who stands 6’5”, has won 75% of his aerial duels and has become a fan favorite for his calm distribution. His injury scare was the most concerning, as Madrid’s defensive options are thin, with Eder Militao still recovering from a long-term knee injury and Nacho Fernandez struggling for form.
As the season draws to a close, Real Madrid face a critical juncture. The Athletic Club match will not only determine their final league position but also set the tone for the summer transfer window. Rumors are swirling about potential signings, with midfielders like Florian Wirtz and Enzo Fernandez linked to the club. But for Arbeloa, the immediate focus is on recovery. He will monitor Vinicius, Tchouameni, and Huijsen closely in training this week. The manager’s optimism about their fitness is mirrored by the players, who are determined to finish the season on a high note. “We know we haven’t been good enough this season, but we’re professionals,” Vinicius said after the match. “We’ll give everything on Saturday and then we’ll rest and come back stronger next year.”
Arbeloa also praised the team’s mentality against Sevilla, a side known for their aggressive pressing and passionate home support. “It was a really difficult game. Sevilla played with intensity, but we stayed calm and took our chance. That shows character. We’ve lacked that at times this season, but today we had it. I’m proud of the boys.” The victory was Madrid’s first away win against a top-eight side since February, highlighting their inconsistency on the road. The defense, marshaled by Alaba and Huijsen, kept a clean sheet for only the fourth time in 15 away matches.
Injuries have plagued Real Madrid throughout the season, with key players like Courtois, Militao, and Rodrygo missing significant stretches. Arbeloa has had to rely on depth players like Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vazquez, who have performed admirably but lack the quality of the starters. The club’s medical staff has been under fire, but they cleared Vinicius to play against Sevilla despite him carrying a minor knock. The manager’s decision to start him paid off, but the subsequent niggle raised questions about risk management. “It’s a fine line,” Arbeloa admitted. “Players want to play, especially in big games. If there’s any risk of serious injury, we won’t take it. But today, it was fine. Just a nuisance.”
The final match of the season will also be an emotional farewell for several players. Luka Modric, who turns 40 in September, has confirmed he will leave after 13 trophy-laden years. The Croatian midfielder has made 28 appearances this season, mostly as a substitute, and his leadership will be missed. Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, is also expected to depart, with Real Madrid unlikely to trigger his permanent clause. Arbeloa hinted that the club might honor these players before the match. “We have to respect those who have given so much to this club. Saturday will be special for them, and we want to send them off with a win.”
Looking beyond the Athletic Club match, Real Madrid’s summer plans are likely to focus on a squad overhaul. With an aging core and young talents like Paz and Huijsen emerging, the club needs to find a balance. The financial situation is solid, with the Bernabeu renovation nearly complete and revenue streams booming. But the pressure to win remains immense. Arbeloa’s job security may depend on a strong start to the 2026-27 season. For now, he is just relieved that the injury concerns appear minor. “We’ll assess them day by day. The most important thing is that the players are okay. Football is a game of health first. Then we can talk about tactics.”
As the sun sets on Real Madrid’s 2025-26 campaign, there are hints of renewal. The victory over Sevilla showed that when Vinicius and Mbappe click, they are virtually unstoppable. The defense, with Huijsen and Alaba, has the potential to be elite. The midfield, however, remains a work in progress. Arbeloa will have the summer to shape the team, but he knows that patience is running thin. Saturday’s match against Athletic Club will be the final test this season, a chance to leave a positive memory for the fans. “We’ll go out there and play for the badge,” Arbeloa said. “That’s all we can do. And I promise you, I’ll keep defending this shirt until the very end.”
Source: Yahoo Sports News