Álvaro Arbeloa has stirred fresh controversy in Spanish football after claiming it is “easier” for Real Madrid to win the UEFA Champions League than La Liga.
The Madrid coach pointed to what he believes are recurring refereeing issues in domestic competition, suggesting they have hindered the club’s title ambitions this season.
Arbeloa’s comments come amid growing frustration within the club following a series of contentious officiating decisions.
One flashpoint was a recent 1-1 draw against Girona FC, where Kylian Mbappé was denied a penalty that Madrid felt was clear-cut.
The result left Los Blancos further adrift in the title race, trailing rivals FC Barcelona by nine points.
The coach also referenced broader concerns about officiating in Spain, linking his remarks to the ongoing Negreira investigation, which has cast a long shadow over Spanish football governance.
Arbeloa described the situation as deeply troubling and implied that such controversies contribute to inconsistencies in domestic outcomes compared to European competition.
Despite their struggles in La Liga, Real Madrid’s record in Europe remains formidable.
The club has won multiple Champions League titles over the past two decades, a contrast Arbeloa highlighted when comparing their relative success in continental and domestic competitions.
He suggested that Madrid have often performed better in high-stakes matches than in games against lower-ranked league opponents.
However, the current campaign has been disappointing by the club’s lofty standards.
Real Madrid were recently eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich, leaving them at risk of finishing a second consecutive season without major silverware.
Arbeloa acknowledged the pressure, noting that such a drought is highly unusual for a club of Madrid’s stature.
Looking ahead, Arbeloa remains focused on salvaging the remainder of the season rather than speculating about his future.
With seven league matches left, beginning with a clash against Deportivo Alavés, he emphasized the need for a strong finish.
While uncertainty surrounds his position, the coach insisted his priority is ensuring the team regains momentum and upholds the club’s winning mentality.
