On the eve of an electrifying clash in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has refused to criticize his former mentor, José Mourinho, who recently sparked controversy by questioning Vinícius Júnior’s celebrations after a goal in Lisbon. The atmosphere is tense, and Arbeloa has chosen to keep the focus on the fight against racism, an issue that has intensified following allegations of racist insults directed at the young Brazilian.
The 40-year-old coach was asked about the temporary suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, a Benfica player, imposed by UEFA, which means he will miss the clash at the Santiago Bernabéu while investigations continue. Despite Benfica’s appeal, Arbeloa decided not to comment on the sanction: “We don’t discuss that in the dressing room, and my opinion remains the same: we have the opportunity to strike a blow against racism. UEFA has always supported this fight, and now it can make a significant impact.”
Regarding Vinícius Júnior, Arbeloa expressed pride in the way the young forward has responded to adversity, especially in recent weeks. “He is doing an excellent job, very motivated for this type of game. Since I arrived, he has shown exceptional performance, making a difference. We need him in great form tomorrow,” said Arbeloa, highlighting the player’s courage and character. “Anyone in his position… I don’t know how they would react. He has always acted with bravery; that has been his response and always will be, because he is a fighter. Tomorrow, he will go out to fight and show that he is one of the best footballers on the planet.”
As the tension rises in Madrid, the anticipation is palpable. However, Arbeloa was clear in stating that the team’s focus lies exclusively on the game. “We are completely concentrated on the match. On playing at a high level, on providing a great spectacle. And that is where we are putting all our energy and effort. The rest… is not our concern. It is not up to us to make those decisions; it is something for UEFA.”
Before Arbeloa, Thibaut Courtois also expressed his frustration regarding Mourinho’s comments about Vinícius’s celebrations when he should have addressed the racial insults. When asked about this, Arbeloa reaffirmed his stance: “I continue to believe in what I said last week, here and in Lisbon: Vini scored a beautiful, fantastic goal. And nothing he could do justifies an act of racism. I said it then and I repeat it now: that is the most important thing. Nothing justifies an act of racism.”
With Mourinho avoiding the press before the game, his assistant, João Tralhão, will be in charge of the pre-match press conference. Arbeloa, for his part, does not believe that Mourinho’s absence from the touchline will have a significant impact: “Just as the team is focused on putting in a great performance, so am I. This won’t be the first time in Mourinho’s career that he is not on the bench, and his teams have always performed well. I expect a great team tomorrow, with some adjustments after the first game. I wish for a great spectacle… and for Madrid to win.”
As for the atmosphere in the dressing room, Arbeloa was not swayed by last week’s incidents, assuring that the excitement is palpable. “There is a great expectation. A great anticipation for a Champions League night at the Bernabéu, because we know the atmosphere that already exists and that will continue to exist. We have a lot at stake. People often say: ‘this is a final,’ and it will be. Whoever wins advances. All of our passion and energy.”
The Real Madrid is preparing for a decisive clash, and Arbeloa’s determination to keep the focus on the fight against discrimination and the quest for victory is a testament to the club’s ambition. With Vinícius Júnior shining and a team ready to fight, the night at the Bernabéu is expected to be memorable.
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