Real Madrid vs Benfica: Arbeloa Urges Focus

Arbeloa's Real Madrid face Benfica challenge

Arbeloa demands complete performance from Real Madrid against Mourinho's Benfica in Lisbon.

“We will have to defend well and attack well. We will have to stay focused on set pieces...”

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa is urging his team to bring their A-game against Benfica in Tuesday's Champions League playoff first leg. After a 4-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad, Real Madrid arrives in Lisbon on a three-game winning streak under Arbeloa.

Arbeloa knows Benfica will be tough, led by his former mentor Jose Mourinho. The Spaniard is focusing on a complete 90-minute performance, emphasizing precision and focus. “To win, we will have to play very well, and to do that, we will have to do many things right,” Arbeloa said.

This matchup is a rematch of their league phase encounter, where Benfica stunned Real Madrid 4-2. Arbeloa's goal is to lead his team to victory and progress in the Champions League. 

Benfica's dramatic 98th-minute goal, courtesy of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, sent them to the playoff round on goal difference, denying Real Madrid automatic passage to the last 16. This stunning turn of events has put Real Madrid's manager Alvaro Arbeloa on high alert.

Arbeloa is aware of the challenge ahead, emphasizing the need for a “complete game” to take on Benfica, led by his former mentor Jose Mourinho.

“We will have to defend well and attack well. We will have to stay focused on set pieces. And we will have to play a very complete game for 90 minutes,” he told ⁠a press conference on Monday.

Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's manager, praised his players for their impressive turnaround since taking over from Xabi Alonso, highlighting their effort and hard work as key factors in their recent success.

“Since I arrived, I have seen a very positive attitude from all the players, and that has been key. In football, it's ‌much easier to be a manager than a player, because it's easier to say what needs to be done than to do it.

"So much of the credit must go to the players. To their effort and hard work. The good results come thanks to the players we have, who prepare for every match as if it were a final. And with that mentality, that high standard, good results are coming. But we are confident that we can go even further.”

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Arbeloa's focus is on delivering a strong performance, emphasizing precision and concentration. He's aware that Benfica will be competitive, given their recent form and Mourinho's experience. Arbeloa wishes Mourinho and his family well, but his goal is to eliminate Benfica and progress in the Champions League.

“One thing is clear: their spirit will be very similar to three ‌weeks ago. They have a leader (in Mourinho) who sets the tone, the way they play and compete,” Arbeloa said.

“From there, there are small nuances. But they will be very competitive, tough. And we must be prepared,” Arbeloa said. “For us, it's a new match, we're not ⁠thinking about anything else. It's a ⁠new match... and we want ‌to perform well. There's no other objective than to win.”