Vinicius (foto: Getty Images)
Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0, but Álvaro Arbeloa warns his team about effort and identity despite the win, as Barcelona remains close to the title.
Real Madrid secured a 2-0 away win over Espanyol in the 34th round of La Liga, delaying Barcelona’s official title celebrations.
The result keeps Madrid alive mathematically, the gap remains large, with Barcelona holding an 11-point lead with four rounds to play.
Vinicius decides the match
The key figure was Vinicius Junior, who scored both goals in the second half.
The match did not start well for Madrid. Espanyol looked dangerous early on, while Ferland Mendy left the pitch with an injury, creating more problems for the visitors.
The turning point came after coach Álvaro Arbeloa made changes. Gonzalo García entered the game and quickly made an impact.
In the 55th minute, he assisted Vinicius, who beat two defenders and scored. Eleven minutes later, Jude Bellingham provided another pass, Vinicius finished again to make it 2-0.
Title hopes remain slim
Despite the win, Real Madrid remains in a difficult position in the title race. Only a major turnaround would change the outcome.
Arbeloa demands more from his team
After the match, Arbeloa praised the squad but also sent a clear message.
“I don’t compare players. We need everyone. Since I arrived, I have said that we need full commitment to win,” he said.
He also addressed the situation of Kylian Mbappé, who is recovering from injury.
“The medical staff manages recovery. Players decide what they do in their free time. I do not interfere,” Arbeloa explained.
Strong words about effort and identity
The coach highlighted a major issue.
“It hurts me when other teams run more than us. With or without the ball, you must make repeated runs to compete,” he said.
He then delivered his strongest statement.
“Talent is not enough. Real Madrid was not built with players in tuxedos, but with players who finish matches with shirts full of sweat, mud, and sacrifice.”
Arbeloa closed with a clear message about the club’s standards.
“When top players understand what it means to play for Real Madrid, talent and effort come together. That is when you become the best team.”