The Questionable Shift Real Madrid Have Undergone Under Álvaro Arbeloa
Same players, a new direction and an immediate response. In just four matches, Álvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid are already showing clear signs of evolution.
An Immediate Change in Results
Álvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid are beginning to click — and the speed of the impact has been striking. After just four matches in charge, the new coach has managed to give the team a very different look, despite the painful Copa del Rey defeat in Albacete, which remains the main blemish of his early tenure.
Following that setback, Madrid responded with three straight wins: 2–0 against Levante, 6–1 versus Monaco, and 0–2 away at Villarreal’s La Cerámica, one of the toughest stadiums in LaLiga. The numbers are emphatic: 12 goals scored and only 4 conceded, figures that already point to a clear upward trend.
The Numbers That Surpass Xabi’s Madrid
Statistics back up the eye test. Arbeloa’s Madrid outperform Xabi Alonso’s version in almost every attacking and control metric. They are scoring 3 goals per game, compared to 2.17 previously, taking more shots on target (21.5 per match vs 18.8) and enjoying greater possession (63.9% compared to 57.3%).
Circulation numbers have also improved: 618 passes per match compared to 553, more completed passes (555 vs 490) and better accuracy in the opposition half (86.6% vs 83.7%). Even defensively, there is progress: the team allows fewer shots on target (3 per game vs 4.3). A statistical package that confirms a far more dominant presence in the opponent’s half.
La Cerámica and Monaco as Clear Signals
The match against Villarreal was the clearest example of the new Madrid. In a stadium where the home side usually controls proceedings, Los Blancos also imposed themselves with the ball: 58.1% possession and 14 shots to 8, a statement performance rarely seen this season.
Meanwhile, the 6–1 win over Monaco marked Madrid’s biggest victory of the campaign, a margin not even achieved last season under Carlo Ancelotti. The improvement has come without a radical tactical overhaul, but with a more aggressive and recognizable version of the team — and Vinícius emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the change.
Few New Pieces, Greater Collective Output
Arbeloa has not torn everything up, but he has made key adjustments. He has revived Arda Güler, who had faded toward the end of Xabi’s spell, and placed trust in Eduardo Camavinga, first as a full-back and later in midfield, where he delivered one of his best performances against Villarreal.
The increased presence of Franco Mastantuono has also been decisive. The Argentine had been an early bet under Xabi, was sidelined by pubic issues, and has now returned to the starting XI. Elsewhere, continuity remains: Aurélien Tchouaméni is still the reference pivot, Federico Valverde continues at right-back while awaiting the return of Dani Carvajal or Trent, and up front Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé remain untouchable.
Same names, a different pulse — and, for now, numbers that fully support the shift.
