Álvaro Arbeloa revealed the most effective tool Real Madrid use to win matches

Álvaro Arbeloa stepped into the press room at the Estadio de la Cerámica with a composed yet deeply satisfied expression. His Real Madrid side had just secured a vital victory against Villarreal, a result that propels the "Merengues" to the top of the LaLiga table as provisional leaders. Beyond the three points, the coach took the time to highlight the squad's character, their collective solidity, and the immense room for growth he still sees in this 2026 roster.

Arbeloa placed significant value on the circumstances of the win. Categorizing the trip to Villarreal as "one of the most difficult fixtures in LaLiga," the coach praised his players' total commitment. In an arena where few teams manage to impose their will, Madrid showed both physical and mental resilience.

"The team understood from the very beginning exactly what kind of match they needed to play," Arbeloa noted. For the young manager, winning at La Cerámica is a sign of a championship-caliber team that knows how to suffer and adapt to high-pressure environments.

One name stood out in the Monday night clash: Vinícius Júnior. Arbeloa celebrated the Brazilian’s current form, emphasizing that the coaching staff's mission is to "maximize" Vini's potential. According to Arbeloa, when Vinícius is put in an advantageous position to face defenders one-on-one, he becomes the most decisive factor in world football.

The coach’s strategy is clear: provide the structure that allows Vinícius to thrive in open space, knowing that the winger's speed and dribbling are the primary engines of Madrid’s offensive production.

Addressing the team’s offensive style, Arbeloa was unapologetic about utilizing the counter-attack. While some purists may demand more possession, Arbeloa defended the "contragolpe" as a natural and lethal tool for his squad.

"We have incredibly fast and talented footballers. If they can occupy open spaces, it would be unintelligent not to exploit that virtue," Arbeloa explained. He made it clear that whenever the context of the match allows it, Real Madrid will look to run and punish opponents in transition. This verticality is what Arbeloa believes will differentiate Madrid from their rivals throughout this grueling season.

Beyond tactics, Arbeloa touched on the "soul" of the locker room. He pointed to the way the players celebrate goals together as a sign of a healthy, unified group. This unity, he believes, is the pillar that will sustain the team through the inevitable adverse moments of the campaign.

Furthermore, the coach expressed immense pride in the players' professional attitude. Despite a congested schedule that has limited tactical on-field training to mostly recovery sessions, the players have shown a relentless desire to train and improve. "Their responsibility and daily work ethic are basic requirements to stay competitive in such a tough season," Arbeloa added.

While Real Madrid currently sits at the top of the league, Arbeloa remains cautious. He acknowledged that the team is "serious and solid" but insists they are far from their peak. As the schedule allows for more tactical work, Arbeloa is convinced the team's performance will only continue to rise. For now, the message is one of quiet confidence: Madrid is back in the lead, and they are only getting started.