Arbeloa Confident As Madrid Aim To Close Gap On Barcelona

‎Real Madrid CF will continue fighting for the La Liga title as long as it remains mathematically possible, according to under-pressure coach Álvaro Arbeloa on Thursday.

‎Los Blancos currently sit four points behind leaders FC Barcelona and travel to face RC Celta de Vigo on Friday. A victory would move Madrid to within one point of Barcelona ahead of the champions’ clash with Athletic Club on Saturday.

‎Madrid lost their lead at the top of the table with a defeat at Osasuna a fortnight ago, before being humbled at home by Getafe last weekend to increase the scrutiny on Arbeloa.

‎”We’re four points behind, not 18. This is Real Madrid. As long as we can mathematically fight, we will, and if there ever comes a time when we can no longer fight, we will still keep fighting,” said Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as coach in January.

‎”In the dressing room, we’re aware that there’s still a lot of the season left.

‎”We’ve had two consecutive league defeats. Of course, at a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult to handle because of the expectations and the pressure, but right now the only thing we’re thinking about is tomorrow’s match.”

‎Madrid has been hit badly by injuries in recent weeks.

‎Rodrygo has joined Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Éder Militão on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury against Getafe CF, a setback that could rule him out of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

‎Meanwhile, centre-back Dean Huijsen will miss the trip to face RC Celta de Vigo due to suspension.

‎”When you’re winning, and everyone is playing well, it’s easy to wear this shirt,” added Arbeloa, who insisted that he would not “make excuses” due to the injuries.

‎”We need to show our true potential now. It’s in moments like these that you see if we’re worthy of wearing this shirt and this badge.”

‎Kylian Mbappé has travelled to Paris for treatment on his knee injury, while Jude Bellingham is in London continuing his recovery. Both players are hopeful of regaining fitness in time to face Manchester City F.C.

‎Arbeloa said that any decisions about the players’ fitness would be taken “by the medical services of Real Madrid.”