A dramatic finish at Balaídos sparks a confident response from Álvaro Arbeloa, who praises youth, resilience and Real Madrid’s relentless identity.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

LaLiga

Arbeloa after Real Madrid’s late victory: “This club plays to win”

Sergio López Calum Roche

Update: Mar 7th, 2026 02:58 EST

Alvaro Arbeloa appeared at the Balaídos press conference after the victory.

“What was Real Madrid’s game plan today?” That was the first question put to Álvaro Arbeloa. The coach smiled before answering with a line that summed up the night: “To win the game – that’s what Real Madrid plays for.”

It set the tone for a press conference with a noticeably lighter mood after Federico Valverde’s late thunderbolt secured victory at Balaídos. Still, Arbeloa did not hide his edge. “There’s no better way to celebrate the club’s anniversary [Madrid was founded on March 6, 1902] than the way Real Madrid does – fighting against everything and everyone,” he said. “We deserved to win, despite everything that happened in the game.” He also compared Valverde to the legendary “spirit of Juanito,” reflected on Ferland Mendy’s limited minutes, and praised academy talent Thiago Pitarch as “a Real Madrid-type player.”

Arbeloa insists Madrid always plays to win

When asked whether he liked how his team played, Arbeloa returned to the same idea with a grin.

“To win the game – that’s what Real Madrid plays for. That’s what we want and what our objective was today.”

The coach highlighted the performance of 18-year-old academy product Thiago Pitarch, who again impressed with his intensity and personality. Arbeloa stressed the midfielder’s willingness to press repeatedly, his composure under pressure, and his constant movement to offer passing options.

“Players like him are vital against these kinds of defenses,” he said. “He presses one, two, three times in a row. He wants the ball, he protects it even when he’s under pressure, and he always tries to find the best option.”

Arbeloa also praised the impact of other young players who came off the bench, including Palacios, Manuel Ángel and Gonzalo.

“We have an academy we need to value more. The best players in the world come here, of course – but we also have young players with enormous quality.”

Mendy’s limited minutes and the risk involved

Questions also turned to Ferland Mendy, who has played sparingly since returning from a lengthy injury absence. Arbeloa responded with a laugh before accepting responsibility.

“My fault then,” he joked.

The coach explained that the defender had been out for months and playing a full 90 minutes immediately would not normally be ideal. However, the flow of the match made the decision necessary.

“Ferland Mendy is a player who, since he arrived here, has shown that when he’s on the field it’s easier for Madrid to win. That says a lot.”

Arbeloa also praised Mendy’s attitude during his time out of the lineup, noting that the Frenchman continues to work hard and maintain a positive mindset.

“He’s always smiling – and that’s not easy when you’re not playing.”

“There are 33 points left – every game will be a battle”

Despite the significance of the result, Arbeloa avoided declaring it decisive in the title race.

“Yes, of course we believe we can fight for La Liga,” he said. “But there’s still a lot left – 33 points, if I’m not mistaken. At this stage, that’s almost like the season hasn’t even started.”

He emphasized the context of the win, with Real Madrid missing around ten players due to injuries and suspensions. Balaídos, he added, remains one of the most difficult stadiums in Spanish soccer.

“To come here, with so many absences, against a Celta team playing with confidence – it has a lot of merit.”

Valverde and the “spirit of Juanito”

Arbeloa reserved special praise for the match-winner, Federico Valverde, whose stoppage-time strike decided the contest.

“Valverde is everything a Real Madrid player should be. He has that ‘spirit of Juanito’.”

The coach described the Uruguayan as a player who embodies the club’s identity – quality, effort and leadership in difficult moments.

“Tonight he carried the team on his shoulders again,” Arbeloa said. “And I’m very happy for him because he deserves it.”

A call to the fans before the Champions League

Speaking later in the mixed zone, Arbeloa reflected on the significance of the win coming on the club’s 124th anniversary.

“There’s no better way to celebrate the history of the best club in the world than like this – fighting against everything and everyone.”

Looking ahead to the next Champions League game, the coach also had a clear message for supporters.

“We need them on Wednesday,” he said. “A Champions League night against a very tough opponent. At our stadium, we’re much stronger when the Madrid fans are with us.”