SOCCER: Arbeloa demands 'complete game' as Real seek Benfica revenge

LISBON – Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has called for focus, precision, and a full 90-minute performance as his side look to settle the score with Benfica in Tuesday’s Champions League playoff first leg.

Riding the momentum of a commanding 4-1 LaLiga win over Real Sociedad, who had been unbeaten in 11 matches, Real Madrid arrive in Lisbon on a three-game winning streak under Arbeloa. The Spaniard had been in charge for just two weeks when Madrid suffered a shocking 4-2 defeat to Benfica in last month’s league phase.

That loss proved costly. With Benfica leading 3-2 but facing elimination, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin ventured forward for a free kick and scored a dramatic 98th-minute header, sending Jose Mourinho’s side through to the playoff round on goal difference and denying Real automatic entry to the last 16.

Arbeloa is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

“To win, we will have to play very well, and to do that, we will have to do many things right. We will have to defend well and attack well. We will have to stay focused on set pieces. And we will have to play a very complete game for 90 minutes,” he said at a Monday press conference.

The former Real defender credited his players for their quick turnaround since he replaced Xabi Alonso.

“Since I arrived, I have seen a very positive attitude from all the players, and that has been key. In football, it’s much easier to be a manager than a player because it’s easier to say what needs to be done than to do it.

“So much of the credit must go to the players—for their effort and hard work. The good results come thanks to the players we have, who prepare for every match as if it were a final. With that mentality and high standard, good results are coming. But we are confident that we can go even further.”

Arbeloa also expects a familiar intensity from Benfica, led by his former mentor and ex-Real Madrid manager Mourinho.

“One thing is clear: their spirit will be very similar to three weeks ago. They have a leader in Mourinho who sets the tone for how they play and compete,” Arbeloa said.

“From there, there are small nuances, but they will be very competitive and tough. We must be prepared. For us, it’s a new match—we’re not thinking about anything else. It’s a new match, and we want to perform well. There’s no other objective than to win.”

-Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters