Arbeloa: "At Real Madrid, We Celebrate Titles, Not Victories"

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa praised his team's collective performance following their decisive 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. He emphasized that the result does not guarantee qualification ahead of the return leg in England.

Arbeloa stated that the Royal White team once again demonstrated its European character, remarking: "We proved that we are Real Madrid, and we should never underestimate ourselves."

The Spanish coach lauded Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde, who delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick. Arbeloa said: "It doesn't matter where you put him on the pitch. I almost get tired from talking about him so much. He is the Juanito of the 21st century. Everything a Real Madrid player should be is Valverde, and he deserves a night like this."

Arbeloa discussed the anticipated second leg, clarifying that qualification is still far from secured. He stated: "If there's one thing that's far off right now, it's qualification. We know very well who City are and what awaits us in Manchester. I said before that Guardiola would try to surprise us with something, and that indeed happened. In the return leg, he will try to do the same."

The Real Madrid coach also believed his team executed the tactical plan in the best possible way since he took charge, saying: "Perhaps this was the match where we adhered to the plan more than any other. We were a team in every sense of the word, and this is what we need to defeat any opponent, whether it's City or Elche. I want the players to believe in this collective mentality and to know what to do with and without the ball."

Arbeloa refused to compare this victory to the team's journey in the 2016 Champions League edition, stressing that it is still too early to celebrate. He stated: "There can be no comparison whatsoever. We only won one match. At this club, we celebrate titles, not victories that haven't led us to anything yet. We have a very strong opponent, and if we relax even a little, we will pay the price. We must now recover and prepare for a difficult battle in Manchester."

The return leg between the two teams is scheduled for next Tuesday at 20:00, with Manchester City aiming for a strong comeback against Real Madrid to overturn their heavy first-leg defeat.