Arbeloa's first crisis at Real Madrid
Álvaro Arbeloa is experiencing his most difficult days since taking over as Real Madrid manager in January.
Despite making his debut as Real Madrid manager with a painful defeat in Albacete that saw the team knocked out of the Copa del Rey, Arbeloa is now experiencing his worst days at the helm of the Chamartín side. That day in January was his first match, after only one training session following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso and the team's long journey from Saudi Arabia after playing in the Spanish Super Cup.
He then lost to Benfica in Lisbon, forcing him to play the same opponent in the Champions League play-off. But the Whites solved the problem with victories at Da Luz and the Santiago Bernabéu. In between, several wins saw them regain the lead, but the team's play was not good. This was demonstrated by the last two defeats against Osasuna at El Sadar and against Getafe at the Bernabéu.
Last two rounds of La Liga EA Sports
Barcelona 3-0 Levante
Osasuna 2-1 Real Madrid
Barcelona 4-1 Villarreal
Real Madrid 0-1 Getafe
Urgency to react
As a result, Real Madrid are second in the EA Sports La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. Álvaro Arbeloa's side need to react, as if they drop more points, they could see Barça pull away and with it the possibility of fighting for the title sooner than they would like.
The next few games will be decisive for Real Madrid, as this weekend they visit a Celta Vigo side in great form and, also in March, they will host Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Barcelona also have difficult games, such as this week's match at San Mamés against Athletic and the visit to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.
The urgent task for Álvaro Arbeloa's side is to regain their form. Otherwise, they may drop more points and have to play the entire season in the Champions League. And that's not a good idea, given the current form of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. If they don't react, they can say goodbye to the EA Sports La Liga title prematurely.
EA Sports La Liga standings after matchday 26
- Barcelona 64 points
- Real Madrid 60 points
- Atlético de Madrid 51 points
- Villarreal 51 points
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