Arbeloa Warns: Valencia Trips Always Test Real Madrid
Álvaro Arbeloa has emphasized the challenges Real Madrid faces during their away matches at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium. As they prepare for their game on Sunday, Arbeloa is keen for his squad to secure three crucial points.
Current Standings and Context
Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points in the LaLiga standings. Barcelona recently achieved a convincing 3-0 victory over Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Valencia is positioned just above the relegation zone, making this game pivotal for both teams.
Mestalla’s Challenges
Arbeloa insists that past encounters at Mestalla prove that victory is never guaranteed. “Visits to the Mestalla are always complicated,” he stated, advising his players against complacency. He expressed optimism about their objective: “We want to come away with three points.”
Impressive Start for Arbeloa
- Winning on Sunday would make Arbeloa the sixth Real Madrid manager to win his first four LaLiga matches.
- His predecessor achieved the same but was dismissed within eight months.
Valencia’s Recent Form
Valencia enters this matchup after two narrow losses, each decided by a single goal in the final moments. This could indicate a potential for late-game drama.
Player Preparation and Workload
Arbeloa highlighted the rigorous training regime since he took charge on January 12. His players had only two days off before facing Rayo Vallecano on February 1. “Big clubs must do many things well to win,” he remarked, emphasizing hard work and strategic planning to maximize player performance.
Game Details
The match between Real Madrid and Valencia is scheduled for 20:00 GMT on Sunday, February 8. Arbeloa’s focus remains on enhancing all aspects of gameplay to ensure they are ready for the challenge.
