Manager calls on his players to show consistency and maintain hard work
Alvaro Arbeloa insists his Real Madrid players are making huge sacrifices to perform at a top level and hopes they have a happy ending this season, after defeating Elche 4-1 on Saturday.
Madrid routed the league’s 17th-placed team, winless in 11 games, after Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde scored before the break, and then Dean Huijsen and Arda Guler scored two more in the second period. The win leaves Madrid one point behind Barcelona in La Liga, ahead of the Catalans’ game against Sevilla on Sunday.
Madrid’s win comes three days after crushing Manchester City at the Bernabeu in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
“For us this game [against Elche] was very important,” Arbeloa said. “I have made a lineup thinking about winning knowing that we had made a very big effort on Wednesday [against City] and we have to do it [again] on Tuesday.
“It was necessary to win and so it has been with the effort of players who since I have arrived do not stop showing me what Real Madrid means to them.
“I hope that all Real Madrid knows about the effort they are making and that they are giving up their lives for Real Madrid. I hope we have a season that ends with a happy ending for all Real Madrid. This must be recognised by a very committed squad, with many injuries, and many of them are pulling the boat and pushing.
“With the help also of the youth players, who are doing frankly well and have received a very big ovation from all the players. Thank them for how they are receiving them, taking care of them, how they help them and advise them.”
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 14, 2026
Madrid have at times been let down by their own inconsistency this season. They opened up a seven-point lead at the summit of La Liga in November, before they squandered that lead through poor performances that ultimately earned Xabi Alonso the sack.
“We have had very good times, but we have lacked a little continuity,” said Arbeloa. “We have ever talked about the famous peaks, that it seems that we are going up and then we have had a game in which it seems that that little step back throws it on the ground.
“I am very happy and we still have a lot of room for improvement. The other day’s game [against City] reflects what we should be. We are a very talented team, but if we don’t all work, we run, we pressure and help each other, it will be difficult for us to win any league match.
“We have to be a very humble and committed team when it comes to work. If we do it, good things will come.”
