Valverde carries Real Madrid to crucial victory
Álvaro Arbeloa described Federico Valverde as “everything a Real Madrid player ought to be” following the midfielder’s 94th-minute goal that secured a victory against Celta Vigo on Friday, keeping his team in contention for the LaLiga title.
Aurélien Tchouaméni opened the scoring for Madrid in the 11th minute at Balaídos with a curling shot from the edge of the area, but forward Borja Iglesias equalized for the home team.
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Madrid appeared poised to drop points for the third consecutive league match—following two defeats—until Valverde’s deflected long-range effort put the visitors ahead 2-1.
“Fede is everything a Real Madrid player should be,” Arbeloa stated on Real Madrid TV after the game. “He embodies the spirit of [club legend] Juanito. He possesses the quality that has characterized the great players in our history, and today he carried the team.”
This win narrowed the gap to league leaders Barcelona, who are set to face Athletic Club on Saturday, to just one point.
“There’s no better way to commemorate 124 years of the best club in the world,” Arbeloa remarked, referencing the club’s anniversary on Friday. “Real Madrid, battling against all odds. We must celebrate this, for the determination the players showed.”
Arbeloa faced scrutiny after a defeat at Osasuna on February 21 was followed by a surprising 1-0 loss at home to Getafe on Monday, which resulted in more discontent from the Bernabéu crowd.
“There are many league matches remaining, with plenty of points still to play for,” Arbeloa noted on Friday. “Each match will be a struggle … Let’s hope [this win is the type that secures championships]. It indicates the right path forward.”
The coach commended the contributions of young players Thiago Pitarch, César Palacios, and Manuel Ángel, who all participated against Celta, with nine first-team players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions.
“You inquired about [Pitarch] the other day, and I will reiterate, we must appreciate what he has accomplished,” Arbeloa stated. “It’s encouraging news. It’s been a while since a player emerged, since Gonzalo [García] and [Raúl] Asencio … He is a Real Madrid player.”
Madrid is now set to host Manchester City on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 matchup.
