Arbeloa of Madrid on Benfica: Our goal is victory, not retribution.
Álvaro Arbeloa emphasized on Monday that Real Madrid’s Champions League playoff against Benfica “isn’t about revenge,” following the unexpected defeat to the Portuguese side last month that knocked Madrid out of the UCL top eight.
Benfica, managed by former Madrid coach José Mourinho, triumphed over Madrid 4-2 at the Estadio Da Luz on January 28, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin netting a dramatic header in the 98th minute.
This outcome resulted in Madrid missing automatic qualification for the round of 16, leading them to face the same opponents in a two-legged tie, with the first match scheduled for Tuesday in Lisbon.
“Our focus is always on winning. Our goal isn’t solely to eliminate Benfica,” coach Arbeloa stated during a news conference on Monday when questioned about seeking revenge. “Our aim is to win the Champions League; it’s not about revenge. It’s about progressing in the tie, which is why we are here.”
The league phase encounter between the teams witnessed exuberant celebrations at the final whistle, with Mourinho in tears, as Trubin’s last-minute goal secured Benfica’s qualification in the final playoff position.
“[Benfica] haven’t caught me off guard. I understand how José’s teams operate,” Arbeloa remarked on Monday. “However, this is a new match. It has no connection to the one from three weeks ago.”
Mourinho was Arbeloa’s coach during their time together at Madrid from 2010 to 2013, where they developed a strong bond.
“We are good friends,” Arbeloa noted. “We always wish the best for one another… All I can say is I always hope for the best for José. But my goal is to eliminate Benfica.”
Star forward Kylian Mbappé was an unused substitute in the team’s LaLiga victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, as he deals with discomfort in his left knee, and Arbeloa did not confirm whether he would be fit to start on Tuesday.
“[Mbappé] has joined us for training,” Arbeloa mentioned. “Tomorrow you’ll find out if he plays or not.”
