It was not a good night for Real Madrid at the home stadium. The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners fell 2-1 to Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernanbeu and Kylian Mbappe was the only player to score, which was not enough to save the side.
While Vincent Kompany’s squad has secured a crucial away victory, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed confidence that his side can still advance in the UEFA Champions League despite the home defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday. The Spanish boss has sent a warning to the opponents ahead of their clash at the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid boss Arbeloa sends warning to Bayern Munich ahead of 2nd leg clash
Speaking after the match at the Bernabeu, Arbeloa said:
“Real Madrid can win in ANY stadium in the world. We have hope.”
The loss leaves the European side needing at least a two-goal victory in the return leg at the Allianz Arena to progress. Arbeloa highlighted his players' character, highlighting that the dressing room response was immediate and positive, with the team already focused on turning the tie around.
Arbeloa, the former player of the club, added that anyone doubting a comeback "should stay in Madrid," underscoring the club's storied history of dramatic European recoveries. Arbeloa, who took over as first-team manager in January 2026 after progressing through Real Madrid's youth coaching ranks, faces significant pressure.
The club sits seven points behind arch rivals and leaders Barcelona in La Liga, making the Champions League their primary route for silverware this season. Bayern, in strong form, will host the decisive second leg buoyed by their first-leg success at the Bernabéu.
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