JAKARTA - Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa says Federico Valverde has everything as a Los Blancos player after the midfielder scored the winning goal in the 94th minute against Celta Vigo, Saturday, March 7, 2026, early morning WIB, to keep his team in the running for the LaLiga title.
Aurelien Tchouameni put Real Madrid ahead in the 11th minute at the Balaidos with a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area, before striker Borja Iglesias equalised for the hosts.
Los Blancos looked set to lose points for a third consecutive league game - after two straight defeats - before Valverde's shot hit the crossbar from long range to make it 2-1 to the visitors.
"Fede is everything a Real Madrid player should have. He has the spirit of (club legend) Juanito."
"He has the qualities that great players have in our history. Today he carries the burden of the team on his shoulders," Arbeloa told Real Madrid TV after the match.
The victory narrowed the points gap with leaders Barcelona, who visit Athletic Club on Sunday, March 8, 2026, early morning WIB, to just one point.
"There is no better way to celebrate 124 years of the best club in the world. Real Madrid, fighting against everything and everyone. We have to celebrate it, for how the players fought," Arbeloa said, referring to the club's anniversary, Friday, March 6, 2026.
Arbeloa was under pressure after the defeat at home to Osasuna on February 22, 2026 WIB, followed by a surprising 0-1 defeat at the Bernabeu against Getafe on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 WIB, which led to more whistles from the fans.
"There are still many league games left, many points. Every game will be a fight. Let's hope (this is the kind of victory that will win the league). It shows us the right path," said Arbeloa.
Meanwhile, the coach praised the impact made by the young players Thiago Pitarch, Cesar Palacios, and Manuel Angel, who all played against Celta Vigo, with nine first-team players absent due to injury and suspension.
"You asked me about (Pitarch) a few days ago. I'll repeat it, we have to appreciate what he has done."
"This is good news. It's been a long time since a player has emerged, since Gonzalo (Garcia) and (Raul) Asencio, he's a Real Madrid player," said Arbeloa.
Real Madrid is now preparing to host Manchester City on Thursday, March 12, 2026, early morning WIB, in the first leg of the 16-team Champions League.
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