Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa paid tribute to his players after his side beat Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday night, pipping Pep Guardiola’s side. Despite Los Blancos looking efficient and smart throughout the team, Arbeloa was reluctant to praise his game plan.
Regarding the game itself, which Real Madrid won 2-1, Arbeloa emphasized after the game to Diario AS that his team understood the most important thing in winning games.
“They came out the way we expected; pressing high, making things difficult. We weren’t patient with the ball, but that’s easier said than done. And after the penalty, everything changed.”
“The important thing is that we learn how to win each game: dedication, sacrifice, and skill. And, above all, by being a team. A collective mind.”
#Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa in the performance of #ArdaGuler against Manchester City. #Championsleague pic.twitter.com/1McOgi4wk0
— Football España (@footballespana_) March 18, 2026
The transformation of Real Madrid under Arbeloa
Since taking over, Real Madrid have had mixed results under Arbeloa, but they have won four in a row against Celta Vigo, Manchester City twice and Elche represent their best run under him. Arbeloa said that he is not a major influence on the change of fortune.
“No. The players changed things, with their effort and skill. We had a great team in front of us; very few people thought we would win both games. We thank the players for their effort.”
As for what has changed in the past few weeks, Arbeloa has referred back to the state of his side.
“I don’t think it’s been different in the last two months: working hard and trying to get them comfortable on the field, making everyone work together, which I think they did. We supported them. And the talent they have is there; it’s very important, and they all understand that. It’s a good victory. This continues, but the next postponement will bring back doubts, but we can’t control that.”
‘I don’t dare think I can beat Pep at anything’
In Spain, Arbeloa has received plenty of praise for appearing to surpass Guardiola, with Fede Valverde and Vinicius Junior proving unstoppable for Manchester City.
“I wouldn’t dare to think that I can beat someone like Pep. We won because of the hard work of the players; they understood what we wanted from them. You analyze the opponents and see how you will hurt yourself. I hope this will strengthen us as a team. The players deserve respect. We have many players who have left, and we are a big team, a family. That is the key to this team.”
Arbeloa: ‘I could write a book about what I learned at Real Madrid’
Asked what he has read in the past two months, Arbeloa said he has enough material for a book – which is likely to be a bestseller.
“I could write a book… Every day at Real Madrid is a learning experience. I see how to get the best out of all the players, make them understand that without effort there is no reward. The Champions League is special for Real Madrid; if we want to win, we have to do as we did today. We also need luck, to be better, to be lucky. This is what we deserve; we won 5-1, that means let’s move on.
Los Blancos have started to look like a more cohesive unit for several consecutive games with the introduction of Thiago Pitarch. With the extra midfielder on the field, Real Madrid have conceded three goals in those four games, but scored 11 times, which is a testament to their ability to withstand pressure.
