Arbeloa: We Believe in the Comeback, and I Know Tomorrow's Lineup
Tuesday 14-04-2026
The Spanish coach Álvaro Arbeloa of the Real Madrid team spoke at the press conference at the Allianz Arena, ahead of the match against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.

The coach said in his speech: "We are very excited, just like all Real Madrid fans. We believe that we are capable of achieving this, and we understand what we represent and what we carry with us. We are ready for a big match."

He added: "We are Real Madrid. If there is a team that comes to this stadium believing in the possibility of winning and coming back in the score, I think it's us. We are a team that never gives up, a team with 15 European titles. We have great players, some of whom were not at their best in the first leg but will be tomorrow. No one knows the result 24 hours in advance, but what I can assure is that we are Real Madrid and we will return with our emblem held high."

Regarding Aurelien Tchouameni's replacement, he said: "We have many options, not just one player but several who can play in his position, like Camavinga, Thiago Beitarach, Ceballos, and Valverde. I am very reassured; I know the lineup I will field tomorrow and have great confidence in it, as well as in the substitutes, because they will finish the match and help us in the second half. It will be a long and demanding match. The players who start won't be the ones to finish the game. I feel fortunate with this group."

He continued: "We must be at the highest level mentally, psychologically, tactically, technically, and physically. If we fail in one aspect, it will be difficult. We must deliver a great match both individually and collectively. Being at 99% is not enough; we must give our utmost. We are a big team with a strong character, and that is what we need to show tomorrow in a tough stadium against a strong team. They beat us last week, and they play confidently in front of their fans, so we have to show who we are."

He emphasized, "I don't think we need a miracle. If we had won the last match, it wouldn't have been a surprise. Their goalkeeper (Neuer) was the best player in the match, which shows the chances we created. Yes, we need to deliver a great performance in all aspects, but we are capable of that. No one who knows Real Madrid thinks that winning here in Germany is a miracle."

He noted: "Bayern is also a great team, and one of the few teams that can face us on equal terms in terms of history and character. It may not be an early final, but it is a significant clash between two prestigious clubs that respect each other. However, we must focus on ourselves, as that is the most important thing."

Regarding the difficulty of returning away from home, he said: "We haven't talked much about it, but it's an additional challenge. Real Madrid's history is built on very tough challenges. We are ready to fight to write a new chapter and achieve a return away from home."

He continued: "We need to improve many aspects. The most important is taking advantage of opportunities, as we may not get the same number of chances as in the first leg. Scoring gives confidence. We must score if we want to win and qualify. We need to deliver a great match."

He stated: "We have played here many times, myself included, and many players have played matches in this wonderful stadium amidst a strong atmosphere. We know this and are ready. These conditions make Real Madrid players feel comfortable. We should also enjoy playing here. These are the moments players want, and they will give their best."

He concluded: "I don't know how many teams in the world can say they've won the Champions League 15 times. We believe in our ability to achieve that. The coach believes, the players believe, the club believes. Throughout the week, no fan has told me that we won't succeed in making a comeback. Everyone believes. We know it's a tough task, and no one can guarantee the result, but what I can say is that Real Madrid will be present with all its strength, and we will give our best, believing that this will lead us to victory."

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