After a Tight Win Over Vallecano, Arbeloa's Move Sparks Madrid Fans' Outrage
2 February 2026
Aftermath of a hard-fought win
The royal club braces for a tough test against Valencia.
Following a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s post‑match remarks sparked a wave of fan anger.
According to Sport, Arbeloa said, "We have a lot of work ahead," after the win.
His words suggest he recognizes the difficulties in securing victories and the setbacks the team has faced in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League since the managerial change.
A day later, it emerged that Real Madrid would not train on Monday or Tuesday, with players given two days off before returning on Wednesday, a decision that ignited widespread debate among Madrid fans.
Social media overflowed with questions about the decision to grant rest days, while many noted that the team's performance called for intensive tactical and physical work rather than more downtime.
Rest is important, but active recovery and training at the club’s facilities—practice common among top teams—are equally vital.
Madrid players will prepare for Sunday’s clash with Valencia in the second half of the week.
Tensions rise as fans demand more discipline and work ethic, with chants at the Santiago Bernabéu becoming increasingly common in recent weeks.
In short: it’s not just a nap, it’s a narrative—and the calendar might be the loudest player on the field. The club’s calendar could prove to be the loudest whistle if results don’t improve.
Punchline 1: If rest days were a tactic, Madrid would already be lifting shelves full of trophies from the snooze button.
Punchline 2: Arbeloa hit the rest button; fans hit the stopwatch. Chaos solved? Not quite, but at least the calendar is excited.
