Real seek Bayern response after Mallorca loss as Arsenal aim to recover in Lisbon

MADRID: Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa said his team must quickly move on from their La Liga setback and focus on Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real’s hopes in the Spanish title race were dented by Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Mallorca, a result that left them seven points behind leaders Barcelona. Arbeloa said the squad had no time to dwell on that loss and was concentrating only on the European tie.

“I told them there was no time to dwell on what had happened,” Arbeloa told reporters on Monday. “All we’re thinking about is winning tomorrow.”

He said Bayern, coached by Vincent Kompany, would provide a major challenge. The German side are nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and ended the Champions League league phase in second place after suffering only one defeat.

Describing Bayern’s strengths, Arbeloa said they defend aggressively, play without fear, press tightly, recover quickly and bring intensity and pace. He added that they are a complete side with several ways to hurt opponents, capable of scoring freely while also defending collectively.

Even so, Arbeloa said Real’s record in Europe gives him confidence ahead of the meeting. “We’re up against a team that’s the most consistent in Europe and will really test us. Our history against this opponent is special. I’m sure we’re in for a great night, just like against Manchester City.”

Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham in focus

Arbeloa said Kylian Mbappe joined Real for nights such as this and indicated the France forward was likely to feature alongside Vinicius Junior in attack. Mbappe, Real’s leading scorer, did not start either leg of the last-16 tie against Manchester City because of a prolonged battle with a knee sprain.

“I’m delighted to have that kind of problem, to have outstanding players at my disposal and to have a player like Mbappe, who came to Real for matches like tomorrow’s and for knockout ties like this one,” Arbeloa said, adding, “I’m sure we’re going to see Kylian at his best, leading the team the way he’s always known how to do, and I have a great deal of confidence in all the players.”

England international Jude Bellingham is also working his way back after injury. Arbeloa said he would continue to rely on his top players when they are available, even though younger midfielder Thiago Pitarch and attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz made important contributions against City and may now see reduced minutes against Bayern.

He said Mbappe and Brahim offer different qualities, meaning the team must play differently depending on who is selected, but added that having all those options was a blessing.

Vinicius said he and Mbappe combine well despite outside debate over whether the pairing is the right fit for Real. “People talk a lot… ‘Kyli’ is here to help us, he’s always given us confidence, he scores the goals for us, we have to be connected tomorrow, above all with the fans and all the players,” he said.

The Brazilian also repeated that he wants to stay at the club. Vinicius, 25, is approaching the final year of his contract after a mixed season in which he went 16 matches without scoring early on and was booed by sections of the Bernabeu crowd. “I hope I can stay for many years to come,” he said, adding, “We know what we all want, and when the time is right, we’ll renew the contract. I’m happy here.”

Bayern also received encouraging news before the match, with striker Harry Kane taking part in training on Monday as he continued his recovery from an ankle niggle. Kane suffered the injury while on England duty in late March, which led him to withdraw from last Tuesday’s friendly defeat to Japan at Wembley. Coach Thomas Tuchel had described the issue as only a “minor” complaint. Kane was left out of Bayern’s squad for Saturday’s 3-2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg, but he appeared in good spirits during the 15-minute training session open to the media on Monday.

Arsenal look to bounce back

In Tuesday’s other quarter-final, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called on his players to respond strongly when they travel to face Sporting Lisbon after back-to-back defeats.

Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by second-tier Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, two weeks after losing 2-0 to Manchester City in the League Cup final. Arteta said difficult spells are part of every season, but stressed that his side must stand up and deliver.

“In the season, you always have moments, normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have with a certain level of difficulty,” Arteta said. “We’re going to say difficulty when we’re going to play the Champions League quarter-finals and the run-up for the league.

“If this is a difficult period, I believe there are many other ones that are much more difficult, so let’s stand up, make yourself comfortable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season.”

Despite the recent setbacks, Arsenal remain well placed in both competitions. They head to Lisbon as favourites against Sporting and hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.

Arteta defended his players and said he would take responsibility after what they have produced over the last nine months. “I love my players. What they have done for nine months, I’m not going to criticise them because we lost a game in the manner that they are putting their bodies through everything,” he said, adding, “I’m going to defend them more than ever. Someone has to take responsibility. That’s me and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us.”