Alexander-Arnold Apologizes, Bellingham Returns: Arbeloa Claims Another Major Victim
Real Madrid enter the international break buoyed by a 3-2 comeback win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night. The victory ended a league drought against city rivals that stretched back to September 2022.
Recent form and key results
The win was Madrid’s fifth straight in all competitions. It followed a 5-1 aggregate elimination of Manchester City in the Champions League last 16. Four opponents in this positive run were teams Madrid failed to beat under Xabi Alonso earlier in the season.
Arbeloa’s growing authority
Alvaro Arbeloa took charge after a January promotion from the reserves. Early speculation over his job has faded after successive high-profile wins. Triumphs have come against sides coached by Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone.
Player form: Vinicius and Valverde
Vinicius Junior scored twice in the derby. Under Arbeloa, he has 11 goals and four assists in 16 games. With Alonso, Vinicius managed six goals and 10 assists across 27 appearances.
Federico Valverde also improved under Arbeloa. He has seven goals and five assists in 17 matches with the interim coach. Under Alonso, Valverde recorded one goal and seven assists in 25 games.
Red card for Valverde and likely ban
Valverde put Madrid 2-1 up before receiving a straight red card in the 77th minute. Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero described the offence as kicking an opponent with excessive force.
That offence carries a minimum two-match suspension under league rules. The disciplinary committee usually meets on Tuesday or Wednesday. A two-game ban would likely rule Valverde out of the April 4 trip to Mallorca and the April 10 home match with Girona.
Disciplinary context and appeal plans
The club is expected to appeal the sending off. Arbeloa said he saw a different incident. He described the action as a low challenge without intent to injure.
Alexander-Arnold’s benching and response
Alexander-Arnold was left out of the starting XI as a disciplinary measure. He had arrived about 20 minutes late to the prior training session, sources told Filmogaz.com.
The right-back accepted the decision and apologised to the coach, captain Dani Carvajal, and team-mates. Shortly after coming on, he set up Vinicius’s winning goal.
Alexander-Arnold Apologizes was the simple message from the player after the incident. Team staff described his conduct as respectful and professional.
Bellingham and squad returns
Jude Bellingham made his first appearance since February 2. He came off the bench after recovering from a hamstring problem. His comeback was managed carefully, with minutes introduced gradually.
Bellingham Returns: Arbeloa Claims Another Major Victim became part of the match-day narrative. Arbeloa stressed Bellingham’s versatility and the need to choose roles that best suit the team.
Mbappé and Militao updates
Kylian Mbappé also featured from the bench. He had not played since February 21, and Arbeloa said he was being eased back after three weeks out.
Defender Eder Militao is set to be available for the Mallorca game. He suffered a hamstring injury in early December and will be back around four months later.
