Real Madrid Legend Alvaro Arbeloa's Career Hangs in Balance as 'Termination Agreement' Looms
Real Madrid have allegedly not dismissed the chance of parting ways with Álvaro Arbeloa if the club cannot progress beyond Benfica in the Champions League playoff round.
Right when it appeared Los Blancos were regaining their confidence, a disappointing 2–1 loss to Osasuna on Saturday evening halted any progress the squad had built under Arbeloa's guidance. The 15-time European titleholders once more appeared toothless in attack, missing the ingenuity needed to break down a defensive setup.
The defeat raised concerns in Madrid for yet another time this campaign, but now Arbeloa finds himself under scrutiny. Per SPORT, the coach's position at his former team may depend on Wednesday's outcome versus Benfica.
A loss to José Mourinho's squad might lead to Arbeloa's "dismissal" and create an "unparalleled crisis" at Real Madrid. A "mutual separation" remains possible, although the organization prefers not to dismiss the Spanish manager given the shortage of suitable alternatives.
Pressure Mounts Not Just on Arbeloa, But Real Madrid As Well
Pressure Builds Not Only on Arbeloa, But Real Madrid Too
The high standards expected at the world's most prestigious club don't apply solely to the manager—the players wearing white face equal pressure to bring trophies to the institution.
Real Madrid transitioned from capturing the Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Super Cup in 2023–24 to concluding 2024–25 empty-handed. Carlo Ancelotti's struggles in his final season were largely attributed to the defensive injury problems affecting the squad.
However, moving into 2025–26, Real Madrid face the prospect of another barren season despite acquiring three defensive additions during the transfer window: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras. The club has already suffered defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, which led to Xabi Alonso's departure, and was knocked out in the Copa del Rey's round of 16.
Only La Liga and the Champions League remain available to Los Blancos, but losing to Benfica in the playoff's second leg could eliminate the 15-time European winners from their preferred tournament, leaving them competing solely for the domestic title.
Securing passage to the round of 16, however, would reduce pressure on both Arbeloa and Real Madrid before the season's most crucial three-month period.
Has Arbeloa Earned More Time at Real Madrid?
Does Arbeloa Deserve Additional Time at Real Madrid?
Arbeloa has certainly not been a flawless successor to Alonso as Real Madrid's manager. During his tenure, the side was eliminated from the Copa del Rey by second-division Albacete, lost their top-eight position in the league phase rankings and recently dropped points against Osasuna, relinquishing first place in La Liga.
Nevertheless, the team has shown clear improvement compared to their final period under Alonso, with much of this revival stemming from Vinicius Junior's form. The Brazilian previously endured a 16-match scoring drought but has now netted five goals in the team's past four outings.
Naturally, Arbeloa's assessment will extend beyond one player's displays under his management, but it's undeniable that Real Madrid's trophy prospects increase dramatically when Vinicius Jr performs at his peak. Alonso struggled to bring out the attacker's best qualities, while Arbeloa has succeeded.
It's also somewhat unjust to hold the new manager responsible for the team's persistent issues. Los Blancos have weaknesses throughout their lineup, particularly in midfield, where they've required a deep-lying creator for two seasons.
Nevertheless, fairness rarely factors into managerial decisions at the Bernabéu—something Alonso would readily acknowledge.