Arbeloa says referee mistakes hurt Madrid against Bayern

Alvaro Arbeloa did not hide his frustration after Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

While acknowledging missed chances and Manuel Neuer’s outstanding performance, the Real Madrid coach also questioned several refereeing decisions.

"I think it's a defeat that could have been avoided if we had been a little luckier. We conceded two turnovers that we shouldn't have. Against teams like that, mistakes like that are costly."

Despite the setback, Arbeloa remains confident ahead of the return leg.

"If there's a team in the world that can win in Munich, it's Real Madrid. We're Real Madrid. We know how difficult it is to win there, but we're going to go for it."

The statistics underline how balanced the match was:

Possession: 50-50
Shots: 20-20
Attacks: 52-56
Passes: 404-442
Kilometers covered: 101.9 – 110.9

Arbeloa stressed that belief will be key in the second leg.

"All goals come from mistakes. When you try to get the ball out, you have to be ready to react quickly if you lose it. Otherwise, what happened to us happens."

"We showed that we can cause them problems and score goals. We had enough chances to score another goal. Whoever doesn't believe in a turnaround can stay in Madrid. We're going to Munich to win."

However, Real Madrid will face the return leg without Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is suspended.

Arbeloa openly questioned that decision.

"It will be a significant absence. I don't know what the referee was looking at tonight, and especially what he saw in that situation with Aurélien."

He also pointed to another controversial moment involving Kylian Mbappé.

"I also don't understand why the referee didn't show a red card for the rough tackle on Mbappé in the second half. These are decisions that are difficult to understand."

The tie now moves to Munich, where Real Madrid will attempt another comeback in one of Europe’s toughest stadiums.