The victory over Manchester City was a much-needed morale boost for Real at the perfect time. Alvaro Arbeloa appeared accordingly relaxed on Friday.
Was this the turning point? After weeks of gloom, Real Madrid finally shone again last Wednesday against Manchester City (3-0). The Champions League quarterfinals are within reach, and a mixed season could still turn out to be good—or even very good. With a four-point gap behind FC Barcelona, the title race isn’t over yet. After all, the Catalans face a tough test at Atlético Madrid in early April—in the very same stadium where Barcelona recently suffered a 0-4 thrashing in the Copa del Rey. The Clásico in Barcelona takes place on May 10.
But that’s all still a long way off. The present is FC Elche, and Real has been warned. In the first leg, a late goal by Jude Bellingham secured a 2-2 draw, ensuring that Real at least took a point home.
Once again, Kylian Mbappé won’t be able to help prevent the next upset. Real coach Arbeloa ruled out a start for the striker, who is out with a knee injury, but offered hope that his recovery is nearing an end. “He’s getting better day by day, and his progress is in line with the plan we’ve set,” said the 43-year-old. “We’re confident he’ll be fit for the trip to Manchester.” The final decision is expected on Sunday.
However, Mbappé couldn’t have done any better against Manchester City than Fede Valverde did; the hat-trick hero stepped into the breach as a goal-scorer. Due to the many absences, Arbeloa is also relying on the youngsters. Thiago Pitarch was once again in the starting lineup against Man City and did a decent job—aside from that one moment in the 75th minute. The 18-year-old lost the ball in his own penalty area to Nico O’Reilly, who sent the ball straight toward the goal with a powerful shot. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, however, was anything but off his game and stuck out his foot at the last moment. An incredible save.
And so Arbeloa felt the time had come to sing the Belgian’s praises. “I’ve played with some of the best goalkeepers in the world, who are considered among the best in history. But what I’ve seen in Courtois, I haven’t seen in anyone else,” said the coach. “I’m certain that we’re dealing with the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history.”
No one was likely more grateful than Pitarch, who was substituted immediately after the play. Arbeloa brought in the next talent right away: Manuel Angel made his Champions League debut just a few days after his league debut. The fact that the 21-year-old, at 5’7”, isn’t exactly a giant doesn’t bother Arbeloa in the least. “To me, his height matches the size of his heart, which is huge. I’ve been very lucky to play with wonderful people and top players who weren’t taller than 5 feet 3 inches,” said the Real coach. “He’s one of my favorites.”