Álvaro Arbeloa is not wasting any time in asserting his authority at Real Madrid. In his first game as interim manager, the club legend is set to shock the football world by benching Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo Goes for the Copa del Rey clash against Albacete.
Following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa’s mission is clear: restore balance and reward form over reputation. According to Diario AS, the new coach is ready to dismantle the underperforming “Galáctico” frontline to make room for the club’s emerging talents.
The “Mastantuono” Gamble
The most talked-about change is the inclusion of Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old Argentine, signed for a staggering €60 million, has faced intense scrutiny after a slow start to his Madrid career. Arbeloa, who knows the pressure of the Bernabéu intimately, believes this Cup tie is the perfect environment for the youngster to finally justify his price tag and silence the critics.
Gonzalo García: The In-Form “Killer”
While stars have struggled, youngster Gonzalo García has been a revelation. With four goals in his last three matches, his promotion to the starting XI is a clear message from Arbeloa: if you perform, you play. Gonzalo will spearhead the attack, offering the clinical finishing that was missing during the final weeks of the Alonso era.
Vini Jr. and Bellingham: The Untouchables
Despite the sweeping changes, Arbeloa is maintaining some pillars of the squad:
- Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian remains the focal point. Arbeloa is reportedly a “huge fan” of Vini’s work rate and expects him to lead the young trio by example.
- Jude Bellingham: The Englishman is also expected to start in his usual midfield role, providing the creative spark and physical presence needed to avoid a “Cupset” against Albacete.
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Cautious Rotation or Tactical Statement?
By leaving Mbappé and Rodrygo as options on the bench, Arbeloa is playing a high-stakes game. A victory with the “B-team” would cement his status as a master tactician who understands the club’s DNA. A loss, however, would immediately put his decision-making under the microscope.
Real Madrid Predicted XI vs. Albacete: (4-3-3): Courtois (or Lunin); Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga; Mastantuono, Gonzalo García, and Vini Jr.
