Arbeloa’s Fresh Start: Arda Güler Returns and Sitéro Gets a Breakthrough Moment

Madrid begin Arbeloa era with cup clash

Real Madrid opened under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa with a Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Alavés, continuing after Xabi Alonso's departure.

Arda Güler returns and the lineup

Arbeloa named Arda Güler in the starting XI for the first time in three games, returning him to the lineup after bench roles in the league and the Super Cup.

The Madrid lineup also included David Jiménez starting for the second time, while Jorge Sitéro made his first start.

The starting XI for the cup match was as follows: Goalkeeper: Lunin; Defense: Asensio - Jiménez - Huisen - Carreras; Midfield: Valverde - Kaestro - Arda Güler; Attack: Mastantonuno - Gonzalo Garcia - Vinícius Júnior.

Real Madrid's squad announcement also noted several big-name absences due to injuries or rest.

Notable omissions included Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carerres, Chouameni, Jude Bellingham, Ibrahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo.

Off the pitch, fans will be watching how quickly Arbeloa's methods translate into cohesion, goals, and a few more surprises.

Punchline 1: If Arbeloa's plan is a sniper, it's still loading—let's hope it shoots straight and not just into the air.

Punchline 2: If Arda Güler's back in the starting XI, it's not a comeback, it's a software update—Madrid 2.0 is ready to download a few more goals.