Real Madrid face a season-defining, do-or-die clash against Bayern Munich tonight in the UEFA Champions League.
Having lost the first leg of their quarter-final tie 1-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have their task cut out tonight against the Bundesliga champions at the Allianz Arena.
Despite the disadvantage heading into the tie, there is plenty of confidence and belief within the locker room about pulling off a comeback against Bayern Munich.
Arbeloa’s message
Following his press conference last evening, Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa conducted the final training session during which he had a clear and stern message to the players.
One of the reasons Los Blancos find themselves in this situation is that they were unable to take their chances in the first leg. While Manuel Neuer’s brilliance was a factor, the forwards could have certainly been more clinical in front of goal.
Arbeloa with his Real Madrid players in training. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
And that is exactly what Arbeloa demanded of his players heading into tonight’s clash.
“If you want to go through, you can not miss chances, impossible,” Arbeloa is understood to have told his players, as per El Chiringuito (h/t Madrid Xtra).
In addition to that, the Real Madrid manager also shared with the squad how his former teammate and club legend Cristiano Ronaldo used to be absolutely ruthless on big nights like this, hoping to inspire and motivate them.
Not much time left before we find out if Arbeloa’s methods to motivate his squad worked or not.
Considering that Real Madrid are already nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga, the Champions League represents their only chance of ending the season with a trophy.
