Arbeloa Confident Ahead of Bayern Clash, Eyes Tchouameni Replacements
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg. Speaking at a pre-match press conference at the Allianz Arena, Arbeloa dismissed suggestions his side would need a miraculous performance to progress, instead framing the challenge as a typical test for the record 15-time European champions.
The first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu saw Bayern secure a narrow advantage, with Real Madrid creating late chances to equalize. Arbeloa emphasized the collective belief within the squad, drawing on the club's storied history in the competition. "First of all, we are Real Madrid," Arbeloa said. "If there is a team that comes to this stadium to turn things around, it's us. We are a team that never gives up." He acknowledged Bayern's own pedigree but insisted his team's focus was solely on their own performance.
A significant tactical decision for Arbeloa is replacing the suspended Aurelien Tchouameni. The French midfielder has been a consistent fixture in the Madrid engine room this season, and his absence is a notable blow. When asked about potential replacements, Arbeloa listed several options. "We have many options and many players who can play where Tchouameni does," he stated. "Camavinga, Thiago, Ceballos, Valverde… I know the starting eleven I’m going to field tomorrow."
According to reports from Spanish media, Eduardo Camavinga is the most natural like-for-like candidate to step into the defensive midfield role. However, Camavinga's own season has been disrupted by minor injury issues and fluctuating form, which may prompt Arbeloa to consider alternatives. Youngster Thiago Pitarch, who has impressed in limited first-team minutes, is also in contention, as is the more attack-minded Brahim Diaz, should Arbeloa opt for a tactical reshuffle.
Arbeloa stressed that the task ahead, while difficult, was well within his team's capabilities, pointing to their first-leg performance as evidence. "I don’t see that we need to perform any miracles," he remarked. "If we won the other day, it wouldn’t have been anything crazy. Their goalkeeper was the MVP. We are capable of doing it." He identified converting chances as a key area for improvement, noting that opportunities in Munich may be more scarce.
The match represents a major early test for Arbeloa, who took over the managerial role at the Bernabeu last summer. Progressing past a European heavyweight like Bayern would significantly bolster his standing. For the squad, navigating this tie without Tchouameni will test their depth and adaptability in a crucial area of the pitch, with the outcome likely hinging on whether his replacement can adequately shield the defense and initiate attacks under intense pressure.
