Real Madrid: The Turning Point Towards Championship

After trailing and playing with a reduced squad, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid, demonstrating remarkable resilience to pursue the major titles of the season.

"Previously, we relied on the talent of individual players, depending on what came to the mind of the ball handler. We needed to find the opponent's weaknesses and exploit our strengths. The team must have a clear idea and playing style," coach Alvaro Arbeloa said after the match last night.

The Character of a Great Team

While awaiting the full return of stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, Real has shown a lot through recent victories. Vinicius and Federico Valverde have demonstrated leadership roles and excellently guided the team. Together, they subdued Manchester City's impressive unbeaten streak, then did the same against Atletico, which was also fiercely surging.

There are always standout individuals in a collective like Real, but victories must be achieved by all members. Under Arbeloa, this is emphasized further, and it was evident in the derby when, after Valverde received a red card at minute 77, Mbappe and Bellingham, along with teammates, defended this fragile victory after being brought onto the field.

The key difference is demonstrating collective character and mental strength. Perhaps Real lost their chance to compete in La Liga in a volatile derby, but their current competitive spirit and confidence are weapons that set them far ahead of rivals. With dignity and pure talent, individuals like Valverde and Vinicius have prevailed in every type of match. The current success of the Galaxy depends on the evolution of these two players, who seemed somewhat out of place and incompatible under Xabi Alonso but have become strong and decisive under Arbeloa.

But above all, Real's resurgence results from a meticulous, patient working plan that needs to be maintained over time. Arbeloa is acting along these lines, with complete success. The 44-year-old coach hopes that everything remains undistorted after the national team's gathering period.

Each victory is embedded in a "chain" of correct decisions from the coaching staff. Arbeloa is not the best to sit on the Bernabeu bench and is a novice compared to legends like Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone.

"We demonstrated character and mental strength. That's what I like most," Arbeloa said. In just three weeks, Arbeloa went from living in the tunnel to shining brightly at Bernabeu, by "headlining" the world's best in this sport.

Change to Win the Championship

Real's self-respect and immutable values always appear at the right moment. Sometimes, that is the most crucial factor helping the Galaxy overcome the challenging March and maintain championship ambitions strongly.

Fighting as a collective is always vital and requires sacrifice from all. Arbeloa has understood the squad better both personally and professionally. That is necessary for the team. You cannot win if you don't know how to communicate with the players, stars who can do everything with the ball.

Real has always depended on the brilliance of stars this season, but the change is happening positively. "When the team has spirit and knows how to endure, everything becomes easier. I want them to be most united, showing the strength of friendship," Arbeloa said.

Players do not consider leaving the field or starting the match on the bench as a disaster. Vinicius did not react when substituted, though he could continue shining if remaining on the pitch. Mbappe and Bellingham will not automatically play despite returning in the second half of the derby, because substitutes like Brahim or Thiago have proven their worth.

Of course, these two stars starting is only a matter of sooner or later as the season enters its decisive phase, but the issue with the English midfielder is that he is too good at his job, so Arbeloa must choose the best for him: the position with suitable teammates.

However, including both in the lineup means sacrificing two players from a squad that is progressing. That is a challenge. But Real is aiming to win La Liga and Champions League titles, so what Arbeloa awaits is that all 25 of his players deserve to play.