The Arbeloa era at Real Madrid is off to a historic start. Following Tuesday’s gritty 1-0 victory over Benfica at the Estádio da Luz, Álvaro Arbeloa has officially set a new modern benchmark for Madrid managers.
Thanks to Vinícius Júnior’s 50th-minute winner, Real Madrid has now scored in every single one of their 9 matches under Arbeloa. With 23 goals scored in that span, the “Spartan” has brought a clinical edge back to the side.
Chasing History: The Pellegrini Record
Arbeloa is now on the verge of equalling a record that has stood for 16 years. Manuel Pellegrini, during the 2009/10 season, saw his side score in his first 10 matches in charge. If the boys find the back of the net against Osasuna this weekend, Arbeloa will tie the Chilean’s record—and a goal in the return leg against Benfica would see him stand alone at the top.
Match Snapshot: Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid
It wasn’t just about the goals; it was about the resilience. In a match marred by an 11-minute stoppage due to the activation of the anti-racism protocol and a late red card for José Mourinho, Madrid kept their cool.
- The Hero: Vini Jr. continues his Ballon d’Or form, curling a beauty into the far corner after a slick feed from Mbappé.
- The Wall: Courtois was immense when called upon, particularly denying Aursnes in the first half to keep the clean sheet intact.
- The Advantage: We head back to the Bernabéu next Wednesday with a vital lead.
What’s Next: Destination Pamplona
The focus now shifts back to LaLiga, where Madrid currently sits at the summit with 60 points.
- Fixture: Osasuna vs. Real Madrid
- Venue: Estadio El Sadar
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 UTC
El Sadar is never an easy place to go, but with the team on a five-match winning streak in the league, the momentum is firmly with us. A win here doesn’t just protect our lead at the top; it cements Arbeloa’s place in the record books.