Arbeloa's Odd Strategy, Real Madrid's Time Bomb

MADRID, MONDAY — Supporters celebrated Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano as a hollow achievement. This makes sense considering that Real struggled to win against a bottom team playing with nine men. Alvaro Arbeloa's strange decision in determining the starting lineup is worthy of scrutiny. If left unaddressed, this situation will only become a ticking time bomb for Real in the future.

Do not be deceived by Real's dramatic victory over Rayo. The full points actually reveal Real's latent problems that should be addressed. Instead of becoming more stable after Xabi Alonso's departure, Real has increasingly played without a clear character. How is it possible for a team filled with star players to suffer so much against Rayo, who is struggling to distance themselves from the relegation zone?

Statistically, Real did indeed appear more dominant. However, there were several moments during the match at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Sunday (1/2/2026) evening WIB that showcased the fragility of Real's defensive structure. The most tense moment occurred when Rayo's right-back Andrei Ratiu ran alone into Real's defensive area during a counter-attack scheme.

There was no player left (rest defense) in Real's defense to anticipate Rayo's counterattack. All Real players were focused on pinning Rayo down, neglecting their defense. Only Goncalo Garcia attempted to chase and disrupt Ratiu's maneuver. Garcia's effort forced Ratiu into a hasty shot, which was saved by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

At that moment, the score was still tied at 1-1. Real took the lead first with a precise shot from Vinicius Junior just 15 minutes into the match. Vinicius's goal was equalized by Jorge de Frutos at the beginning of the second half. If Ratiu could lead his team to regain the advantage through that quick counter-attack scheme, it is not impossible that the final result would have been different.

Gol Frutos further emphasized the poor defensive structure of Real. Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni played a role in the equalizing goal from the opponent. Valverde was unable to anticipate the direction of the incoming ball, allowing Alvaro Garcia and Frutos to combine in a dangerous area. Similarly, Tchouameni failed to close down the shooting space for Frutos.

The Frutos goal is merely the surface of a classic problem for Real that has existed since the Alonso era. Arbeloa made a strange decision by continuing to play Valverde as a right-back. On the other hand, Tchouameni more often played as a center-back. Both are natural midfielders and therefore lack the instinctive ability to play as defenders.

Arbeloa's decision to insist on their inclusion in the starting lineup became peculiar as Real had many defenders available to play. On the bench, Real had Dani Carvajal as the rightful owner of the right-back position. Meanwhile, the left-back position was entrusted to Eduardo Camavinga, who is originally positioned as a defensive midfielder.

Real ultimately benefited from two red cards received by Rayo players, Pathe Ciss and Pep Chavarria. Additionally, referee Isidro Diaz added nine minutes of stoppage time in the second half. This decision raised questions from the Rayo camp. Thanks to the extended time, Real eventually secured the victory through a penalty executed by Kylian Mbappe in the final minutes.

"Victory brings happiness and changes energy. But for me, the most important thing is to continue improving and developing as a team, trying to control the game much earlier than the end of the 90 minutes," said Valverde, who also serves as captain of Real.

After six matches under his leadership, there are no signs of the desired style of football that Arbeloa wants for his team. Overall, this team resembles the fragile defensive era of Alonso. Just look at how Benfica punished Real's defense with four goals in the last match of the Champions League group stage.

Arbeloa's decision to accommodate all star players into the starting lineup ultimately resulted in an imbalance within the team. This is highly plausible for Arbeloa, who is trusted as an aide to Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.

Perez is well known for prioritizing the comfort of his star players. This is what has caused Alonso to struggle in winning the locker room, as he continues to try to impose his system.

Alonso is somewhat different. He attempts to accommodate the star players so that none of them feel marginalized. However, the consequence is that there is no clear game plan. The impression created is that Arbeloa completely leaves it to the players to do what needs to be done.

"The players have put in an extraordinary effort. This victory was achieved through their hard work and dedication. There are many aspects that we need to improve and work on, and of course, during these two weeks without midweek matches, we will try to ensure the team works and moves in the desired direction," said Arbeloa.

Arbeloa is required to utilize the next two weeks to internalize his playing ideas to the players. Until now, he has not had sufficient time to lead training sessions for Real.

The next two weeks will be a crucial time for Real to defuse the ticking time bomb that has already been embedded within the team due to the poor defensive structure they possess. (REUTERS)