Real Madrid’s week was a rollercoaster. A worrying injury wave, a crisis meeting called by Álvaro Arbeloa and a thumping win over Elche — chaotic few days. And through it all one clear target: stay on FC Barcelona’s heels in the title race.
An injury avalanche worrying the dressing room
Madrid’s season has been anything but smooth. After Xabi Alonso left — judged unable to handle a tricky squad — Florentino Pérez handed the job to Álvaro Arbeloa, a former player and Castilla coach.
But since he took over in late December results have been hit-and-miss. And, crucially, the treatment room is overflowing.
Real currently have around ten players sidelined, including several key men. Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Éder Militão are notable absences, while Raúl Asencio and Ferland Mendy were added to the list in recent days.
It’s a situation that has the coaching staff genuinely worried at a pivotal point of the season.
Arbeloa calls in his leaders for an emergency meeting
Faced with the carnage, Arbeloa moved fast. Sources close to the club say he held a meeting with four locker-room leaders: Federico Valverde, Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Two aims: check the squad’s physical and mental state, and stop the injury list from growing.
Another crucial subject was load management. With a packed schedule and a fiery Champions League return leg against Manchester City, Arbeloa is debating whether to rotate or keep his big players on the pitch.
The chat was also a chance to take the dressing-room’s pulse before a decisive run.
Without Mbappé, Real coast to a 4-1 over Elche
A few hours later the pitch provided an answer.
Despite Mbappé and several starters being absent, Real beat Elche 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After a messy start Antonio Rüdiger broke the deadlock just before the break with a volleyed finish (39′). Then Federico Valverde, already the hero against Manchester City days earlier, doubled the lead with a superb curling strike (44′).
After the interval Dean Huijsen headed home the third, before Elche grabbed a late consolation.
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Arda Güler’s out-of-left-field wonder
The highlight belonged to Arda Güler.
The young Turkish midfielder scored an utterly ludicrous goal, chipping the keeper… from his own half. A bold bit of audacity that sent the Bernabéu into the air.
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It was also a sign of confidence returning to a team that desperately needed to breathe.
Real back in the title race
The convincing win pulls Real to within a point of FC Barcelona, LaLiga leaders who play the next day.
A big result ahead of the showdown with Manchester City — the tie that could define Madrid’s season.
At Real Madrid the pressure never really goes away.
It only changes shape.
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