Arbeloa remains confident despite Real Madrid's struggle for form

Record ID: 2361419

  • Title: Arbeloa remains confident despite Real Madrid's struggle for form
  • Date: 5th March 2026
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (MARCH 5, 2026) (REUTERS) REAL MADRID PLAYERS WARMING UP REAL MADRID GOALKEEPER THIBAUT COURTOIS WARMING UP FORWARD BRAHIM AND DEFENDER VALVERDE RUNNING MIDFIELDER EDUARDO CAMAVINGA PLAYING WITH BALL DURING DRILL / DEFENDER ANTONIO RUDIGER CHASING BALL / FORWARD VINICIUS JR CHASING BALL ARBELOA AND STAFF OBSERVING TRAINING SESSION RUDIGER CHASING BALL / COURT
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: Arbeloa Celta Mbappe Real Madrid Spain Vinicius preview soccer
  • Location: MADRID, SPAIN
  • City: MADRID, SPAIN
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: Europe,Soccer,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA001124705032026RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said his side will keep fighting for the La Liga title despite a poor run, adding that forward Kylian Mbappé is improving daily in his recovery from injury.
    “I understand that after two defeats the atmosphere isn’t the most positive,” he told reporters on Thursday (March 5). “But there’s a long, long way to go in the league and we’re going to fight for the three points in every match and fight for the title.”
    Arbeloa warned of another demanding away test against Celta de Vigo, praising an in‑form opponent and a traditionally hostile atmosphere for visiting Madrid sides. 
    The coach said the club is taking a cautious, step‑by‑step approach with Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, stressing that both players’ rehab plans are under club control.
    Madrid have been short‑handed in recent weeks, with Mbappé, Bellingham and defender Éder Militão among those sidelined, prompting Arbeloa to rotate and hand minutes to academy talent.
    Barcelona top the league table with 64 points, as Real sit second four points behind. Friday's (March 6) opponents Celta de Vigo are 6th with 40 points.
    (Production: Michael Gore, Elena Rodriguez)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2026. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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