Arbeloa hails 'brave' Vinicius for 'turning whistles into applause'

Real Madrid CF v Atletico de Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has jumped to the defence of Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian forward successfully navigated a hostile atmosphere at the Bernabeu to score the winning goal against Alaves in La Liga on Tuesday. Despite the tension following a disappointing Champions League exit, the winger proved to be the difference-maker as Los Blancos secured a vital victory in their pursuit of catching Barcelona.

Real Madrid CF v Deportivo Alaves - LaLiga EA Sports

Arbeloa backs his 'brave' Brazilian star

Following a narrow 2-1 victory over Alaves, the Blancos boss was quick to praise Vinicius for his mental fortitude. The Brazilian forward, along with several team-mates, had been targeted by boos from the home crowd following their recent Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich, but he answered his critics with a stunning second-half strike from long range.

"Vinicius has always made a big effort in difficult situations," Arbeloa said in his post-match press conference. "He's carried the team on his back. We can't doubt his attitude. He doesn't hide, he's brave. He's a Madrid fan, he feels the shirt and the badge. The crowd is demanding, they want the best from their players. Vini today turned the whistles into applause, he's done it before, and that's what's important."

Real Madrid CF v Deportivo Alaves - LaLiga EA Sports

Bernabeu tensions boil over for Camavinga

While Vinicius managed to win over the supporters, Eduardo Camavinga found himself as the primary target for the Bernabeu's frustration. The French midfielder, who was sent off during the defeat to Bayern, was audibly booed when he entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute. Every subsequent touch from the 23-year-old was met with jeers from the disgruntled home fans.

Arbeloa was equally supportive of the midfielder, insisting his quality would eventually shine through again. "He has a lot of personality and a lot of experience despite his youth," Arbeloa explained. "He's like Vini, they arrived very young at Real Madrid, they've done a lot and won important trophies. He has the confidence of his coach and the club, and I'm sure of the fans too."

Champions League hangover nearly proves costly

The match itself was a nervous affair as Real Madrid looked to snap a four-game winless streak. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a deflected effort before Vinicius doubled the advantage, but Alaves refused to lie down, hitting the woodwork twice before Toni Martinez grabbed a late consolation goal in stoppage time. The result keeps Madrid within six points of Barcelona, though the Catalan giants hold a game in hand.

Despite the win, it was a performance full of flicks and tricks that often lacked clinical execution. There were also concerns on the touchline when Jude Bellingham appeared frustrated at being substituted before the hour mark. Arbeloa dismissed any talk of a rift, citing the player's ambition and the need to manage his fitness following his heavy involvement in Munich.

Real Madrid CF v Deportivo Alaves - LaLiga EA Sports

Injury concerns for Militao

Madrid’s victory came at a potential cost as Eder Militao was forced off just before the halftime interval. The Brazilian defender had been a standout performer, even striking the crossbar with an effort, but he appeared to pick up a muscular problem that required an immediate change. Antonio Rudiger was brought on to replace him as the medical staff began their assessment.

According ESPN, the issue appears to be a hamstring problem, though early indications suggest it may not be a long-term absence. Arbeloa will be desperate to have his first-choice centre-back available as Real look to put their European disappointment behind them and focus on the domestic title race.