Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media in the conference hall at the Etihad Stadium, after the 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16, allowing the team to advance to the quarter-finals, noting that the first leg ended with a 3-0 win for Real Madrid.

The coach said: "The players are the ones who turned this situation around with their performance, mentality, effort, talent, and quality. Winning here is not easy in a very complex confrontation against a team full of stars and a great coach. Very few expected us to win both matches, so credit goes to the players who deserve it for their work and effort."

He added: "I haven't done anything different from what I've been doing for two months, which is working and trying to bring out the best in the players, making them feel comfortable on the field, finding the right place for each player, and being a cohesive and balanced team that works as one unit. The players understood well that winning requires us to be a real team and united in effort."

On teamwork: "The talent is already there, but adding a collective mentality to it is very important. The players executed that excellently. It was a great confrontation from our side, but it is just a step towards the next round. We are happy with the performance, but we know that the road continues and doubts may return with any setback, and this is beyond our control. What matters to us is the internal work."

He emphasized: "This tournament is very special for Real Madrid, and we faced one of the best teams in Europe. We might face Bayern Munich and then Paris Saint-Germain, and if we want to win, we have to play at the same level. Perhaps we were a bit lucky, but we deserved to win both matches, and the overall result confirms that."

On facing Pep Guardiola: "I don't see it as a tactical battle. I can't say I outsmarted a coach of Guardiola's caliber, with his great experience and achievements. The qualification came thanks to the players. As coaches, we analyze and try to find the opponent's weaknesses, and when the players execute the plan, everything becomes easier. I'm happy for them because they deserve appreciation, especially amid many absences. The team showed that it is one family, and this is one of the secrets of Real Madrid's success."

Regarding the team's ability to eliminate great coaches like Mourinho and Guardiola: "This confirms that I have very great players. Two months ago, I couldn't imagine being in this position."

He followed: "Thibaut Courtois felt some discomfort and wanted to continue, but we didn't want to take risks because we have an important match soon. Fortunately, we also have Andriy Lunin, who performed excellently. As for Kylian Mbappé, I was happy to see him, he looked fast and in good shape, and I think there was a penalty that wasn't awarded to him. We will see his condition before the next match."

On the possibility of facing Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals: "We have to wait, but it seems they will qualify. They are one of the most prepared teams in Europe right now. It will be a tough confrontation, especially with the second leg in Munich. Now our focus is on the upcoming matches, then we think about Bayern with the same mentality."

He emphasized: "The lesson we must learn is that this is the right path regardless of the names. When we are not one unit, any team can beat us. We are Real Madrid, but winning requires sacrifice and work. This jersey obliges us to fight until the end."

On Haussen's performance: "He delivered an excellent match like the rest of his teammates, and I am very happy with what he is offering."

He continued: "What have I learned as a coach? I could write a whole book! Every day at Real Madrid is a new lesson. I get to know my team and players better, and I try to bring out the best in them. The most important thing is for them to understand that work is the only path to success. I still have a lot to learn."

He concluded about Guler's performance: "We knew they would press hard at the beginning, and we had to keep the ball better. Players like Arda Guler and others had a positive impact and gained a lot of experience. I am very happy, and now we prepare for the next confrontation with confidence."