Bernabéu on edge as Arbeloa faces baptism of fire against Levante
After cup humiliation in Albacete and Xabi Alonso's sacking, Real Madrid's new boss faces a critical home debut with fans growing restless and patience wearing thin.
Real Madrid face a pivotal moment as they welcome Levante to the Bernabéu, with the home crowd’s patience wearing thinner than a goalkeeper’s excuses after a string of dire performances and cup exits.
Crisis Point at the Bernabéu
The situation at Real Madrid has gone from bad to worse faster than you can say “taxi for Xabi”. Captain Dani Carvajal didn’t mince his words after their Copa del Rey humiliation against Albacete, admitting the team has hit rock bottom.
New gaffer Álvaro Arbeloa has barely had time to find the kettle in the staff room before being thrown into the deep end. The former defender has inherited a proper mess:
- A scrappy, unconvincing win against Atlético in the Supercopa semis
- Defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa final (despite a somewhat respectable showing)
- Xabi Alonso’s subsequent sacking
- That absolute shocker against Albacete in the Copa
With both domestic cups now out of reach, the atmosphere at the Bernabéu threatens to turn toxic if things don’t improve sharpish against Levante.
No Room for Error
Arbeloa’s task couldn’t be more daunting. He needs to right the ship immediately with Barcelona sitting four points clear in La Liga and showing few signs of slipping up. The Champions League remains their other lifeline, with Monaco visiting on Tuesday in another must-win fixture.
Selection headaches abound for the new boss. Without Rodrygo and Brahim, and with Mbappé likely being saved for European duties despite making the squad, attacking options are limited. Young Gonzalo, whom Arbeloa knows well from his time with the youth setup, looks set to start alongside Vinicius, with Bellingham pushed further forward.
Defensively, David Jiménez may keep his place, while the midfield selections will offer the first real clues about Arbeloa’s tactical approach. Academy product Cestero has been called up, with more attacking options like Palacios and Leiva likely starting on the bench.
Levante Arrive in Form
The timing couldn’t be worse for Madrid as they face a Levante side enjoying their best run of the season. The visitors are unbeaten in three matches, collecting five points that have breathed life into their relegation battle.
Currently third from bottom with 14 points (four from safety with a game in hand), Levante have become the form team among those fighting the drop. Their Portuguese manager will be boosted by the availability of winter signing Ugo Raghouber, while Paco Cortés returns from Spain U19 duty.
The visitors will be without several players through injury, including Roger Brugué who recently underwent surgery for a knee ligament tear, plus Diego Pampín, Matías Moreno and Oriol Rey.
For Real Madrid, anything less than three points would only intensify the pressure on both Arbeloa and the squad. The Bernabéu faithful are growing restless, and another poor showing could turn this Sunday lunch-time fixture into a proper dog’s dinner.