Álvaro Arbeloa highlights the importance of beating Monaco to secure a place in the Champions League round of 16
The interim coach once again addressed the boos during the match against Levante and outlined what the team must improve on the pitch.
Real Madrid faces a defining crossroads this Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The "Merengues" are set to host AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu for Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League league phase. The stakes could not be higher: a victory would practically guarantee Madrid a spot in the top eight of the standings, allowing them to bypass the treacherous Play-off round and secure direct passage to the Round of 16.
However, the sporting objective is currently being overshadowed by a tense atmosphere between the squad and the fans. Following a string of disappointing results—including early exits from the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey—the Bernabéu crowd turned on the team during their recent La Liga victory against Levante. Now, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is calling for a "ceasefire" to protect the club’s most valuable assets.
Arbeloa Defends the Club: "Whistles Weaken Us"
In a fiery pre-match press conference, Arbeloa, who transitioned from "canterano" to player and now manager, addressed the recent hostility from the stands. While he acknowledged the fans' right to express themselves, he hinted at external forces trying to destabilize the "White House."
"As a former youth player, first-team player, and especially as a coach, I have maximum respect for the Bernabéu. But I believe the whistles weaken Real Madrid," Arbeloa stated firmly. "I know there are campaigns organized to weaken this club. They won’t fool me. But my gratitude to the fans is absolute because they want the same thing I do: to win titles."
Arbeloa emphasized that for players like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to reach their world-class potential, the stadium needs to be a fortress of support, not a courtroom. "They need the fans to bring out their best version," he added.
The Vinícius Jr. Dilemma: A Future in Jeopardy?
Perhaps the most concerning narrative in Madrid right now is the psychological state of Vinícius Jr. The Brazilian, a hero of two Champions League titles, has found himself the primary target of recent criticism. This lack of "affection" has reportedly led Vini to reconsider his future at the club, with rumors of a potential summer exit starting to circulate in the Spanish capital.
Arbeloa was quick to jump to his star’s defense:
- The Legacy: "Vini has been writing history here for years. He gave us two Champions Leagues and magic nights."
- The Personality: "He has a massive heart; he is very emotional, and his football is emotional too. He loves this crest."
- The Plea: "As a coach, I want to see a Bernabéu that stands by its players."
The Tactical Stakes: Skipping the Play-offs
From a purely tactical standpoint, the match against Monaco is a must-win. Under the new Champions League format, finishing in the Top 8 is vital to manage player fatigue. If Arbeloa’s men fail to win, they risk falling into the 9th-24th place bracket, which would force them to play two extra high-intensity matches in February—a month already congested with La Liga and domestic cup obligations.
Real Madrid, the kings of this competition with 15 trophies, know that the Champions League is their natural habitat. "Winning tomorrow would bring us very close to the goal," Arbeloa concluded. "We are aware of the significance of this game, and we want to gift a victory to our fans to turn the page on this difficult moment."
As the clock ticks toward Tuesday night, the question remains: will the Bernabéu be the 12th man that carries Madrid to the Round of 16, or will the pressure of the whistles prove too much for a team in transition?
