Table of Contents
Kylian Mbappe was absent for Real Madrid’s clash against Espanyol last night, and the team once again won with a 2-0 margin and a dominant performance.
It was Vinicius Jr. who scored both of the team’s goals, and he looked like a completely different version of himself compared to the Vinicius who has played in recent weeks.
The win comes as a much-needed one for Los Blancos as they now garner much-needed momentum ahead of El Clasico while also keeping the title race alive.
Arbeloa’s presser
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa gave his two cents on the game and the team’s win last night after the full-time whistle at the RCDE Stadium, and he began by highlighting how the team’s first clean sheet in ten games was invaluable.
“Dean Huijsen just passed by me, celebrating the clean sheet, which shows how important that is to us. We haven’t had one in a long time.”
Arbeloa then praised Vinicius Jr., who scored two goals on the night and spoke on how the Brazilian led by example.
Vinicius Jr. scored a brace. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
“Vinicius Junior was amazing as usual. He is a constant threat; he is our leader once again.”
The manager then highlighted the areas where Real Madrid must still improve, explaining how the team do not put in as much work off the ball.
“All teams run more than we do. We need to run more, press, and defend. Talent alone is no longer enough. The players need to understand that. This is the essence of Real Madrid.”
On Mbappe’s trip to Italy
The coach was then asked about Mbappe’s decision to vacation when injured despite a Clasico being on the horizon and whether he saw it to be poir professionalism. Arbeloa, however, wiped his hands clean of Mbappe’s situation, saying,
“All the planning for the injured players is supervised and managed by Real Madrid’s medical services.”
“They are the ones who control when they have to go to Valdebebas and when they don’t. Each player in their free time does what they consider appropriate.
“I don’t get involved in that,” he added.
Speaking specifically about Mbappe and the player being on vacation when the team is on the verge of losing the title, he said,
“Mbappe on holiday? Every player does what they want in their free time.
“We didn’t build Real Madrid with players who take the field dressed in tuxedos but with players who end up with the shirt covered in mud, sweat, and effort.”
On El Clasico
Real Madrid now face Barcelona. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Finally, the Real Madrid manager previewed the upcoming El Clasico which could well be the night the title race is decided.
“The Clásico will be a very special game, just as it always has been.”
When asked if Mbappe and Carvajal will be fit for the game against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou, Arbeloa said,
“We’ll see how Mbappe is this week, after last week’s tests it seemed like it was going to be a bit longer.”
“Same with Carvajal, I have high hopes that he can play before the season ends and that he can say goodbye to the season on the field, which is what he deserves,” he added.
Source: Real Madrid website
