Álvaro Arbeloa says Real Madrid are always favourites. He was reminded of this claim, made after beating Monaco, at the start of a press conference before facing Manchester City. This will be the fifth year in a row that the two clubs have met in the Champions League knockout stages.
Arbeloa’s Confidence Ahead of City Clash
Arbeloa responded to the question of whether Madrid are still favourites with a familiar answer. “If I said Madrid are always favourites, that’s what I think,” Arbeloa stated. “We are Real Madrid. We never feel less than anyone, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of who we have in front of us. We’re Real Madrid, we shouldn’t feel inferior.”
He acknowledged the quality of their opponents. “We know our opponents, how good City are – champions two years ago – and how difficult it will be, but we go into it with enthusiasm, looking them in the eyes.”
Arbeloa’s assertion that they are always favourites is being held to account. After he initially made the claim, Madrid had put six past Monaco. Earlier, in Arbeloa’s first game, Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey at second division Albacete.
Recurring Fixture: Madrid vs. Man City
Real Madrid face City in the last 16, as anticipated. Arbeloa had said, “Let’s see what the hot balls have for us,” while Thibaut Courtois was “sure” they would get City, not Sporting. According to director Emilio Butragueño, this marks the fifth consecutive season they have played each other. “It’s curious that we play them every year,” he said.
Butragueño’s comment suggested a hint of tedium, perhaps even paranoia. There was certainly a touch of pessimism. Sporting would have been preferred, and Madrid find themselves on what appears a considerably harder side of the draw.
Arbeloa’s go-to line, “This is Real Madrid,” is described as a slogan but short on substance.
Madrid’s Recent Form
In Arbeloa’s first game Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey. Although they then won his first at the Bernabéu, an uninspiring 2-0 against Levante, it had been marked by whistles and white hankies. Now at least a little optimism was let back in, a tentative step taken towards reconciliation, with Madrid destined to finish in the top eight and heading off in La Liga to third-placed Villarreal, where they won 2-0, something seeming to shift their way.
But then came Benfica, a 4-2 battering that flattered Madrid, and it started again. So much for the top eight, so much for the precious time needed to get the team fit again.
“This is Real Madrid: fighting to the end.”