Álvaro Arbeloa has come out in fierce defense of Vinicius Júnior ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash against Monaco. Despite the Brazilian being targeted by boos during the weekend win over Levante, Arbeloa insists his star winger is “untouchable.”
“I Need Vinicius on the Pitch”
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu has been tense. During the 20th round of La Liga, the home crowd voiced their frustration, with Vinicius Júnior being a primary target of the whistles. However, speaking in the pre-match press conference, Arbeloa silenced any rumors of the Brazilian being dropped for the European tie.
“Vinicius will be on the field as long as he’s available. He is a fantastic, exceptional player,” Arbeloa stated. “If I want any chance of winning, I need him. I need Vinicius on the pitch.”
This show of confidence comes at a critical time, as the club continues negotiations to secure a long-term contract renewal for the number 7.
The Battle for the Top 8
Real Madrid currently sits seventh in the Champions League league phase with 12 points. A victory against Monaco this Tuesday (17:00 GMT) is vital to remain in the direct qualification zone for the Round of 16 and avoid the treacherous playoff round.
Arbeloa acknowledged the high standards of the Madridistas but sent a warning about external influences:
“The Bernabéu fans are fair; they want to see the style of play they love. But I also know there are orchestrated campaigns designed to weaken Real Madrid. I know who is behind them, and they won’t fool me.”
Tactical Outlook: Madrid vs Monaco
With the pressure mounting, Arbeloa is expected to stick to his core lineup. While the “orchestrated” outside noise persists, the focus inside Valdebebas remains on tactical discipline. Monaco arrives in Madrid as a dangerous underdog, but Arbeloa is banking on the “Bernabéu effect” to turn the whistles into cheers.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
