Real Madrid

Real Madrid winners and losers after Álvaro Arbeloa’s first 75 days in charge

Vinicius and Valverde lead the revival while others fade as Arbeloa reshapes the squad hierarchy through bold selection calls and youth promotion.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

Sergio López Roddy Cons

Madrid. Update: Mar 29th, 2026 17:03 EDT

Álvaro Arbeloa has now spent 75 days coaching Real Madrid, edging toward the 100-day mark after steadying what was initially a rocky spell. It has been two and a half frenetic months, filled with turbulence, hard lessons, and turning points.

At times it has felt like stormy waters and heavy rowing, with hidden treasures emerging along the way. Some players have been elevated to new heights, others have faded. For some, it has looked like a transformation into a guiding force. For others, it has been more like sinking into the background.

The balance between success and setback has defined this stretch. The only real question is who belongs on each side.

Among the names shaping this period are Vinicius Junior, Thiago Pitarch, Franco Mastantuono, Eduardo Camavinga, Gonzalo García, Dani Ceballos, and Antonio Rudiger. Some have blossomed with spring’s arrival, others have withered. Winners and losers after 75 days.

Vinicius finds his best version again

The clearest success story belongs to Vinicius.

He has undergone a striking transformation, almost like stepping back into an earlier version of himself. In 34 matches under Xabi Alonso, he scored just seven goals, averaging 0.20 per game. Whatever the tactical explanations, it is clear he never fully settled or exploded in that system.

Under Arbeloa, the contrast is dramatic.

In 17 matches, Vinicius has scored 11 goals, including a brace in the derby. That is an average of 0.65 goals per game, a sharp rise in output and confidence. He looks sharper, more decisive, and back to his most dangerous level.

Real Madrid winners and losers after Álvaro Arbeloa’s first 75 days in charge — Vinicius celebrates his second goal in the derby against Atlético Madrid. JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

La Fábrica delivers again

The second major success has been the club’s reliance on academy talent.

A key figure in that shift has been Thiago Pitarch, trusted in high-pressure matches including both legs against Manchester City and the derby, often ahead of senior squad options. He did not even debut until February 17, yet has since become close to undroppable.

He is not alone.

David Jimenez, Diego Aguado, Cestero, Manuel Angel, Mesonero, Yanez and Palacios have all featured during this 75-day stretch. Each has contributed solid performances, many above expectations for their level of experience.

It is another reminder of the strength of Real Madrid’s development system, often referred to as La Fábrica.

Valverde becomes the engine again

The bronze medal for this period, though it feels closer to gold, goes to Federico Valverde.

He has rediscovered his influence, but more importantly, his role has been clarified. There is still no fixed position for him, and perhaps there never will be. His value lies in his freedom.

Starting from the right but drifting everywhere across the pitch, Valverde becomes unstoppable when allowed to roam. Like Schrödinger’s footballer, his position is defined by movement rather than structure.

He has eight goals this season, only one under Alonso’s spell. Six have come during this recent surge in form. He is closing in on his personal best scoring record.

Brahim and others step forward

Further down the list of positive developments is Brahim Diaz.

Behind the scenes work and renewed confidence have pushed him into a more prominent role, especially in the absence of Mbappe. He has overtaken Gonzalo García in the pecking order and recently played 36 percent of his total minutes this season in just the last five games.

Rather than simply breaking through, he has exploded into importance.

There has also been a resurgence for Antonio Rüdiger, back to full fitness and leadership levels, and for Dean Huijsen, who has recovered confidence after earlier setbacks.

Where is Franco Mastantuono?

Not everyone has benefited.

Franco Mastantuono’s minutes tell a more complicated story. Most of his involvement under Arbeloa came early, particularly in matches against Albacete and Rayo Vallecano. Since then, his role has sharply declined.

In the last 55 days, he has played just 60 minutes total, spread across sporadic late appearances against Valencia, Benfica, Getafe, and Manchester City.

He has also gone five matches without a single minute, including against Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Manchester City in the second leg, and Atletico Madrid. The loss of trust is difficult to ignore.

Camavinga loses ground

A similar downward trend is visible for Eduardo Camavinga.

He has been directly affected by the rise of Thiago, who has taken over minutes in key matches. Camavinga started strongly but has since faded from the lineup.

Before his injury issues, he was a regular starter. Since then, opportunities have been limited, including bench roles in both matches against Manchester City and the derby. His situation reflects how quickly competition has shifted.

Small declines, growing pressure

Other players have also slipped, even if less dramatically.

Dani Ceballos has been impacted partly by injury, but also by selection choices that have favored younger options like Cestero and Thiago.

Gonzalo, meanwhile, has seen his role reduced significantly, missing minutes in major matches against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

His decline coincides with Brahim’s rise and the reshuffling of attacking options.

A squad still being reshaped

These 75 days under Arbeloa have produced clear winners and clear setbacks. The picture is still evolving, but the hierarchy inside Real Madrid is already shifting. Some players are rising into new roles. Others are quietly slipping down the order.