Alvaro Arbeloa laid the blame at the door of referees on Monday in Spain as Real Madrid prepared to face Deportivo Alaves on Tuesday, staring at a nine-point gap in La Liga and a second straight title slipping through their fingers after exits in Europe and the Copa del Rey.
He did not dodge the issue. “For Real Madrid, it is easier to win the Champions League than La Liga.” He anchored his argument in specifics, indicating Real Madrid love hunting big fishes.
Kylian Mbappe went down inside the box on 10 April, and the referee waved play on. Title races turn on decisions like that, and Madrid believe this one went against them.
“There is a reason, and many people can easily understand it.”He chose implication over accusation.
He did admit flaws within his own squad. “In recent years, we have room to improve in La Liga. In the last few months, I think we have performed better in big, difficult matches than against weaker opponents.”
Madrid raise their level for elite opponents but drop points where control and patience matter most.
Then he doubled down on the core complaint. “But we have faced situations like the Girona match penalty appeal, and that is why it is easier for Real Madrid to win the Champions League than La Liga.”
He draws a direct link between refereeing calls and a failing title charge. That argument feels convenient, but it also reflects a pattern Madrid refuse to ignore.
The wider picture looks bleak. Bayern Munich knocked them out of Europe, and domestic silverware has already gone.
Now La Liga follows the same path. Madrid do not just lose matches; they lose grip on the season.
Arbeloa ends the press conference being optimistic, “For two seasons without winning anything, the last time was more than 20 years ago. Real Madrid is a club where things usually go well. This club always looks to the future. Defeat is not acceptable here, we have to win our remaining seven matches.”
