Madrid: Real Madrid will continue to pursue the La Liga title as long as it remains mathematically possible, said under-pressure coach Alvaro Arbeloa, after the team slipped four points behind Barcelona.
Los Blancos face Celta Vigo on Friday, aiming to narrow the gap to one point before Barcelona’s match at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Madrid lost top spot after a defeat at Osasuna two weeks ago, followed by a humbling home loss to Getafe, increasing scrutiny on Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
“We’re four points behind, not 18. This is Real Madrid. As long as we can mathematically fight, we will, and if there ever comes a time when we can no longer fight, we will still keep fighting,” Arbeloa said.
The coach emphasized that the squad is focused on the immediate challenge:
“We’ve had two consecutive league defeats. At a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult because of the expectations and the pressure, but right now the only thing we’re thinking about is tomorrow’s match.”
Madrid’s recent campaign has been severely affected by injuries. Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes joins Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao on the sidelines after a serious knee injury against Getafe, likely ruling him out of this summer’s World Cup. Centre-back Dean Huijsen is also suspended for the Celta game.
Arbeloa refused to use injuries as an excuse, saying:
“We need to show our true potential now. It’s in moments like these that you see if we’re worthy of wearing this shirt and this badge.”
Real Madrid will host Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 first leg next Wednesday. Mbappe and Bellingham are currently receiving treatment in Paris and London, respectively, with hopes of returning in time for the match. Arbeloa added that any decisions on player fitness would be handled by the club’s medical team.
Despite setbacks, Arbeloa stressed that Madrid will continue to fight for La Liga glory while preparing for their European challenge.
