Defeats always have harsh consequences, but they become even more dangerous when they come in a shocking manner, as happened against Benfica. This loss reopened old wounds for Real Madrid after a season marked by accumulating failures and declining on-field performance.
Xabi Alonso’s experience is still fresh in everyone’s minds, after losing 6 out of 34 matches. He was held entirely responsible by some of his players before his tenure ended with his dismissal—a scenario many fear could be repeated.
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Current coach Álvaro Arbeloa is already facing early warning signs, having lost control of two of the five key players in the team. Tensions are rising due to the lackluster performances of both Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham against Benfica.
According to Onda Cero radio, Arbeloa was deeply dissatisfied with the duo’s performance but hesitated to substitute them, a move interpreted within the club as a fear of clashing with the stars.
Defensive errors, particularly on the left flank, were a major factor in the 4-2 defeat, as that area became an open passage for Benfica’s players due to the lack of cover and support for Carreras inside the penalty area.
Despite Arbeloa’s continued defense of Vinicius and Bellingham since taking over, fan anger has been mounting. The Santiago Bernabéu crowd booed the pair during the Levante match, a clear indication of waning confidence.
In a significant development, Defensa Central revealed that Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos sent a direct message to Arbeloa, urging him to be decisive and courageous, and not to hesitate in substituting any player, regardless of their name. He warned that leniency towards Vinicius and Bellingham could lead to the same fate as Xabi Alonso. Carlos’s message carried a clear tone:
“Stars are not judged by their names, but by their performance, and any lapse in enforcing discipline could be the beginning of a new downfall within the White Castle.”
