Arbeloa makes his mark in Real Madrid's European history with Monaco thrashing
The former Madridista joins an elite club of coaches who've started their European journey with Los Blancos in spectacular fashion, following in Ancelotti's footsteps.
Álvaro Arbeloa announced himself on the European stage with a statement victory that few Madrid coaches have matched in their continental debuts.
After a proper nightmare week where he saw his lads get knocked out of the Copa by minnows Albacete and weather a storm against Levante at the Bernabéu, Arbeloa finally had his Adam and Eve moment with a stunning 6-1 demolition of Monaco in the Champions League.
Elite company in European debuts
The comprehensive victory places Arbeloa in rarefied air, making him the joint second-most successful Madrid coach in terms of European debuts. He shares this distinction with none other than the gaffer himself, Carlo Ancelotti.
Carletto, who’s won a whopping 15 trophies with Los Blancos including three Champions League titles, also kicked off his European journey with Madrid via a 6-1 away thrashing - in his case against Galatasaray. While Mbappé’s brace and Vini’s assists did the business for Arbeloa, Ancelotti’s debut featured Cristiano and Benzema running the show in Istanbul.
The curious case of Fleitas
Only one man stands ahead of both Arbeloa and Ancelotti in the record books - Paraguayan coach Manuel Fleitas, who orchestrated a 7-0 hammering of Luxembourg’s Jeunesse d’Esch back in October 1959, with the legendary Puskas bagging a hat-trick.
Interestingly, while that season ended with Madrid lifting their fifth European Cup (completing the Di Stéfano era), Fleitas wasn’t around to see it. Despite his record-breaking start, his tenure went pear-shaped:
- Brought in to make Madrid play a more Brazilian, joyful style
- Relationship with Di Stéfano deteriorated rapidly
- Found himself under pressure before Christmas
- Resigned in April with one league match remaining
Miguel Muñoz took over, beginning his legendary 13-year reign, and guided Madrid through the semi-finals against Barcelona and that iconic 7-3 final victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in Glasgow.
Early days for Arbeloa
While it’s miles too early to predict whether Arbeloa’s path will follow Fleitas’ rocky road or lead to European glory, his third match in charge has certainly placed him in distinguished company.
For now, the former defender can be chuffed that his European adventure has started with a bang, giving Madrid a giant step toward finishing among the competition’s top eight.