Arbeloa points to a player: He does not want him

Real Madrid defeats Levante, but Arbeloa takes the opportunity during the match to send a strong message to the team at the start of his tenure.

Raúl Cabrera Jiménez | 17 Jan 2026 | 16.15
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Arbeloa points to a player: He does not want him | MARCA
Arbeloa points to a player: He does not want him | MARCA

Real Madrid returned to the path of victory with a 2-0 win against Levante in a match that left more internal messages than external celebration. The result served to relieve tensions but did not hide decisions that mark a new stage.

The match came in a delicate context. The atmosphere around the team had changed within days, and the margin of error had significantly decreased for all those involved.

Real Madrid, reaction after a challenging week

Real Madrid faced the match following a turbulent week. Álvaro Arbeloa had debuted as a coach in the Copa del Rey with a painful 3-2 loss to Albacete, a Segunda División team currently in 17th place in the standings.

That elimination raised alarms within the white environment. Losing against a theoretically weaker opponent away from home raised doubts about the immediate direction of the project and increased pressure on the new coach.

albacete

Therefore, the match against Levante acquired special importance. Not only for the three points but also for the need to show an immediate reaction and a sense of control.

Álvaro Arbeloa sets the tone from the bench

Right from the start, Álvaro Arbeloa made it clear that he wouldn't shy away. The team showed organization, intensity, and a modest approach, avoiding unnecessary risks, which helped to steer the match relatively smoothly.

However, the most discussed decision came early. Eduardo Camavinga was the first substitution of the match, a change that did not go unnoticed by the stadium or the dressing room.

The message was clear. In this Real Madrid, immediate performance weighs more than name or history. Arbeloa didn't hesitate to act when he felt the team needed something different.

Camavinga, the first target of the new Real Madrid

The performance of Eduardo Camavinga did not convince the coaching staff. The French midfielder showed imprecision with the ball and struggled to maintain the defensive rhythm required by the tactics.

Arbeloa considered that his contribution was below the required level and decided to make a move without waiting for halftime. A clear signal that the margin of trust is limited.

Real Madrid thus enters a scenario of intense internal competition. Camavinga will need to raise his game if he wants to regain prominence in a team where no one's position is guaranteed.

A victory that goes beyond the score

The final 2-0 score demonstrated superiority and control, but the true value of the match lay in the messages sent from the bench. Real Madrid needs stability but also competitive character.

Álvaro Arbeloa opts for a committed, disciplined, and reliable group. His idea is to build from daily demands, even if it means tough decisions with influential players.

Following the Copa del Rey setback against Albacete, the coach needed an immediate response. The victory against Levante achieved that goal, though it's evident that the process won't be comfortable.

Real Madrid embarks on an uncompromising cycle

Real Madrid earns three crucial points and gains peace of mind in the standings, but initiates a new internal debate about roles and hierarchies. Camavinga's situation is just the first example.

Álvaro Arbeloa has marked his territory in just two official matches. His Real Madrid will be based on performance, intensity, and collective commitment, with no exceptions. The warning has been issued, and Real Madrid begins to follow a clear roadmap.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Arbeloa señala a un jugador: No lo quiere

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