Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa delivered a thoughtful and resilient message following his side’s surprising elimination at the hands of a Segunda División club in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, admitting the result hurts but insisting setbacks can fuel future success.
In the post‑match press conference, Arbeloa acknowledged that Real Madrid’s night did not go to plan against lower‑tier opposition, a result that saw the reigning champions dumped out of Spain’s prestigious cup competition earlier than expected. While disappointed, the former defender‑turned‑manager sought to frame the defeat as part of a broader process.
“Failure is the road to victory,” Arbeloa said, capturing both his own mentality and the outlook he hopes to cultivate within his squad. “We will learn, we will improve, and we will use this experience to make us stronger.”
The match, which saw Real Madrid dominate possession but struggle to convert chances, was ultimately decided by a moment of brilliance from the underdogs. Despite creating opportunities throughout the game, Los Blancos failed to find a breakthrough, and their opponents capitalised on a rare opening to secure progression.
Arbeloa pointed to the competitive nature of cup football, where the margins are fine and unpredictability remains part of the allure, reinforcing that even elite clubs must guard against complacency.
“We have to respect everyone we face on any given day,” he added. “Football is played on the pitch, and tonight the better team on the day advanced.”
The defeat adds to Real Madrid’s challenges this season, with injuries and fixture congestion testing a squad competing on multiple fronts, including La Liga and the Champions League. Arbeloa, who only recently took charge following the departure of his predecessor, emphasised that consistency and resilience will be key as the club seeks to bounce back.
Looking forward, the coach said he intends to use the cup disappointment as motivation:
“We don’t wallow in defeat; we analyse, we learn, and we push forward. This team has the character and quality to respond.”
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