Arbeloa gets the BMV engine purring ahead of Villarreal test
After a turbulent period at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid's star trio of Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius finally clicked together under Arbeloa against Monaco.
Amid the noise and uncertainty following Xabi Alonso’s dramatic exit, Real Madrid’s new gaffer Arbeloa has managed to get his luxury sports car running again - the BMV.
The BMV roars back to life
After weeks of spluttering performances and Bernabéu boos, Real Madrid’s star trio of Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius finally clicked together against Monaco in the Champions League. The three attacking jewels each found the net in a result that brought much-needed smiles back to faces that had looked proper miserable in recent weeks.
This marked only the second time this season all three have scored in the same match - the previous occasion being against Atalanta back in December, a night when Mbappé started like a house on fire with a brace before limping off injured.
Arbeloa’s early impact
While Mbappé has been in his usual goal-getting form all season (apart from a virus-affected Club World Cup), both Vinícius and Bellingham have been miles off their best:
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Vinícius: After months looking off the pace and even facing the wrath of the Bernabéu faithful against Levante, the Brazilian appears rejuvenated. Arbeloa’s public declaration that he “doesn’t want wingers chasing full-backs” signals the freedom being granted to the number 7, who produced his best performance in months.
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Bellingham: The Englishman has struggled under the weight of comparison with his own ridiculous debut season (23 goals, 13 assists). Finding the right position for Jude to express himself remains one of Arbeloa’s key challenges.
Villarreal test looms
With the BMV firing on all cylinders again, Madrid head to Villarreal with a chance to sleep as league leaders - something that seemed a right liberty to even suggest after the Saudi Arabia debacle and subsequent managerial earthquake.
The only selection headache for Arbeloa revolves around Rodrygo. The Brazilian forward had been buzzing after Xabi Alonso’s snub, but now faces renewed competition following Mastantuono’s impressive displays on the right flank during Rodrygo’s injury absence.
For now though, it’s the BMV that’s got the Madrid faithful dreaming again. After quickly surrendering the Supercopa and Copa del Rey, the Champions League and La Liga remain very much in play with this trio back in sync.