Real Madrid's Arbeloa vs. Guardiola Head to Glory in One Last Stand!
“I wouldn’t dare think I could beat Pep Guardiola at anything” – Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has given credit to his players after his side beat Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday night, easing past Pep Guardiola’s side. Despite Los Blancos looking effective and intelligent throughout the tie, Arbeloa was reluctant to praise his plan for the match. In terms of the game itself, which Real Madrid ran out 2-1 winners in, Arbeloa emphasized after the game to Diario AS that his side had understood the most key factor in winning games.
“They came out as we expected; pressing high, making things difficult. We lacked patience with the ball, but that’s easy to say and even harder to do. And after the penalty, everything changed.
” “The important thing is that we learn how to win each match: commitment, sacrifice, and skill. And, above all, by being a team. A collective mentality.
” Real Madrid’s turnaround under Arbeloa Since taking over, Real Madrid have had mixed results under Arbeloa, but four consecutive wins against Celta Vigo, Manchester City twice and Elche represent their best run under him. Arbeloa said he was not the main factor in the reversal of fortunes. “No.
It’s the players who turned things around, with their effort and skill. We had a great team in front of us; very few people thought we’d win both games. Thanks to the players for their effort.