Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after his team’s 1-0 win over Benfica on Tuesday. He was asked about Prestianni’s remarks on Vinicius Jr, to which he said: “You need to ask the Benfica player. We all deserve to hear his answer. It’s clear that there must be no tolerance for racism. We cannot allow things like this to happen on a football pitch in 2026.”
Arbeloa on what he said to Vinicius Jr
“All I told him was that if he wanted to keep playing, we’d be by his side, whatever decision he made. Always by his side.
We rode together, we died together, and when something like this happens, we’re always there for him. We’ll always fight together, just like today.”
Arbeloa on whether they considered leaving the pitch
“The referee told me he didn’t hear anything and couldn’t do anything. It was Vinicius’s decision. We can’t tolerate this kind of behaviour. Of course, we would have stood by him.”
Arbeloa on Jose Mourinho’s quotes about provocation
“I didn’t see Vini’s celebration. I did see the amazing goal, though. I think José, when he finds out what happened and what his player said, will be the first to say he won’t allow it. Zero tolerance, and we’re very happy with the team. This is the Real Madrid we want to see.”
Arbeloa on how Vinicius Jr is doing
“Good. The sad thing is, it’s not the first time. Vini isn’t just a spectacular player, but a guy everyone loves. When you get to know him, you realise what a good person he is. He’s always had to overcome situations like this, and we’ll be there for him.”
Arbeloa on whether he believes Vinicius Jr
“I believe what Vini says. Of course. I would never doubt Vini’s words.”
Arbeloa on the game
“Yes. The first half was very good, and we deserved a few more goals. Everything changed after that. We kept trying to create chances. They exposed themselves more, and we lost control. But we saw the Madrid we want to be playing very well, a very solid team that puts in a lot of effort. I’m very happy with the difference compared to the game three weeks ago.”
Arbeloa on the return leg
“Don’t make the mistake of writing off a Mourinho-coached team at 0-1. They’re already preparing for the next match, and this Benfica side won’t let us let up. The Bernabéu will be waiting for Benfica, and that will be crucial. We have 90 minutes of great football ahead of us.”
Arbeloa on Arda Güler
“Arda is a player with qualities that help us a lot. He’s able to link Vini with Kylian. He’s special, different. He’s becoming very important, and his development benefits us. These matches help him grow, and I’m very happy and proud to have a guy like him.”
Arbeloa on what he was worried about with Benfica
“I was worried watching my team. The match three weeks ago was the furthest we’ve been from where we should be, and this one was the closest. Benfica really ran at us on the counter-attack; they were fast. And it wasn’t just about defending, but about attacking with more organisation. And we did that; we finished a lot of chances. There’s room for improvement, but this is the right path.”
Arbeloa on Aurelien Tchouameni
“Spectacular, not just today. He’s been playing at a high level for several matches since I arrived. We’re improving him a lot, getting him into the opposition’s half with the ball.”
Arbeloa on Trent-Valverde-Güler
“These are synergies that we try to work on. Those three players on the right are doing very well. They complement each other and are doing a great job.”
Arbeloa on Kylian Mbappé
“He’s been sidelined for many days. Knee problems are preventing him from performing at 100%. But he’s the best in the world, and at 80% he still is. We appreciate his effort.”
