Benfica's Da Luz Stadium left many memorable nights for Real Madrid. Here 12 years ago, they won all their Decima titles after defeating Atletico in the Champions League final. And last night, they were victims of one of the most classic victories in the history of the home team.
After letting goalkeeper Trubin head the ball into the net in the 90+8 minute, Real Madrid saw the play-off round right in front of them with countless risks. They could have finished the qualifying round in the Top 8 and advanced straight to the round of 16. However, goalkeeper Trubin's classic goal ruined everything. Real Madrid, despite losing 2-3, still had a right to go straight, but the score was 2-4, forcing them to play one more match.
After the match, Kylian Mbappe himself admitted that the conceded goal was an insult to Real Madrid, and no words could express the disappointment of the French star.
This is Real Madrid's 2nd defeat according to an unbelievable scenario, accompanied by extreme shame. Before losing to Benfica, they were eliminated from the Spanish King's Cup by third-placed Albacete. At this time, no one knows how long Alvaro Arbeloa will coach the team, only knowing that this young coach is certainly not capable of controlling such a star-studded squad.
Real Madrid's defense and defensive arrangement in the match against Benfica may make them continue to suffer more times this season. Arbeloa cannot create a complete system because there is too little time and the current force cannot be guaranteed.
At Da Luz Stadium, Arbeloa could not have the service of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Another right-back, Dani Cavarjal, was not brought on even though he returned from injury on January 14. The two starting center-backs Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger did not appear due to injury, leading to Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio having to play together. They were both inexperienced and seemed confused by the opponent's attacking power. Asencio even received a red card at the end of the match.
After the match, when asked in the press conference room, Arbeloa only repeatedly mentioned the two words "responsibility". This young coach declared that he took all responsibility, as well as the defeat two weeks before facing Albacete. As for stars like Jude Bellingham, he only said the recent defeat was terrible.
Real Madrid will know their opponent in the play-offs tonight (Vietnam time). Their opponent could be Benfica or Bodo/Glimt. It is not yet known how well the recovery of other key players is, but Real Madrid will certainly not have the services of Rodrygo and Asencio.
After the defeat to Albacete, Real Madrid welcomed an extremely heavy atmosphere in the Bernabeu stands in the match against Levante. This time, after just suffering a painful defeat to Benfica, they may face a similar situation against Rayo Vallecano in their own home ground this weekend.
