Sunday night was a special one for Real Madrid at Mestalla as the men in white took home three points against Valencia at Mestalla, a clean sheet and two goals from a venue that has historically been ...
Sunday night was a special one for Real Madrid at Mestalla as the men in white took home three points against Valencia at Mestalla, a clean sheet and two goals from a venue that has historically been complicated for them to deal with.
While the hosts did have their chances, Real Madrid managed to convert their opportunities particularly in the second half and never looked back after taking the lead.
Kylian Mbappe eventually doubled the lead and sealed the result in stone, ensuring that Los Blancos stay within a point of leaders Barcelona.
Arbeloa reacts
Speaking on how his side overcame the Mestalla curse with a 2-0 win, Alvaro Arbeloa expressed to the media after the game that his side knew well the challenge they were up against.
“We knew where we were coming. I think it was three wins in the last 11 years, if I’m not mistaken. I’ve been fortunate to come to Mestalla for many years as a player and I know the challenge this stadium always presents.”
“With the five-man defensive line they used against us, it was going to be a game where we had to be very patient and work hard. The victory came from solidity, commitment, and playing a very serious match. I think we were deserved winners,” he added.
On specific players
The manager then spoke on Federico Valverde and what the captain’s versatility means for the team.
“Valverde performs spectacularly wherever you place him. I’m aware that where he’s happiest is in the midfield and that’s also where we can get the most out of him and where we need him the most.”
Praising David Jimenez who started at right-back and even had some glorious chances in the game, Arbeloa said,
“David Jiménez also deserves tremendous credit for the rival he had against him. It was unfortunate that the chance didn’t go in.”
“For the academy players to play a match at this level and contribute as David Jiménez did is fantastic news for the entire Real Madrid academy, for him, who played a fantastic match, and I’m very proud,” he added.
Arbeloa’s Real Madrid beat Valencia at Mestalla. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
He then gave an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness and how the player performed in his first game back from injury.
“After being out for a long time, we are taking the same approach with him as we will with others returning from injury.
“We are proceeding cautiously and calmly because what we want is for him to find his rhythm, his best playing form, and that’s how it will be with Trent.”
On Carvajal and Mbappe
With Jimenez starting and Alexander-Arnold coming off the bench, Dani Carvajal was again left with no minutes and was visibly frustrated after the game. Speaking on the veteran’s situation, the manager said,
“I’ll be very clear. I’m seeing Dani improve in training day by day. Gradually. Obviously, I’m not going to take any risks.”
“Inside the dressing room, I don’t need to explain the importance of Dani. He’s the one who always has something to say before and after matches,” he added on his leadership.
“The players need to have a reference like him in the dressing room, and I’m sure he’s going to find his best form. With the patience and effort we’re putting in and his dedication, I’m confident that he’s getting closer to regaining his relevance,” he added.
The manager was then asked about Kylian Mbappe and how it felt as a manager to have the Frenchman on his team.
“It’s a great fortune, because right now he’s the best player in the world with what he’s proving day in and day out, game after game.”
When asked if Mbappe can surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy, Arbeloa said,
“As I said before, what Cristiano achieved seemed extraterrestrial, something impossible to match and no one could come close.”
“Mbappe has a long way to go because Cristiano was here for many years, but he has the conditions to follow in his footsteps, and you never know if he’ll be able to surpass him. But if anyone can, it’s Kylian,” he added.
Finally, Arbeloa expressed his satisfaction with the clean sheet last night and how the players were playing for the collective goal.
“We surely have a lot of room for improvement. A team is built on solidity, on staying united, on commitment. We showed it in La Cerámica, and we did today as well.”
“I don’t think Courtois had to make any saves. That’s the path the players are following: helping each other, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice. We just need to keep improving.”
Source: Real Madrid
Category: General Sports
