Lisbon, Portugal – January 28, 2026 – Real Madrid’s transition following Xabi Alonso’s departure appears surprisingly seamless, as the team has quickly adapted to a tactical approach that prioritizes the dynamic partnership of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
The Spanish giants have outscored opponents 12-4 in three games since embracing the dual-striker setup.
Arbeloa Finds Harmony Where Alonso Hesitated
- Álvaro Arbeloa has seamlessly integrated Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior into the starting lineup.
- Real Madrid has won three consecutive matches following a Copa del Rey upset.
- Thibaut Courtois notes a subtle but positive shift in team dynamics under Arbeloa.
- Benfica, currently struggling in the Portuguese league, presents a favorable test for the revamped Real Madrid.
Four matches isn’t a large sample size, but early returns suggest Real Madrid under Álvaro Arbeloa is picking up where Xabi Alonso left off – and perhaps even exceeding expectations. While a recent Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete Balompie raised eyebrows, the team has responded with three consecutive victories, a trajectory likely mirrored under Alonso’s leadership. What’s immediately clear is that Arbeloa embraced the challenge of maximizing the combined talents of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior from the outset.
The delicate balance of power within the club has always been a defining characteristic, and that theme continues as Real Madrid navigates life after Alonso’s unexpected exit earlier this month. Arbeloa has started both stars in each game since the cup loss, and the results have been impressive. They’ve generated 2.4 expected goals per game – matching their season average – and Mbappé has found the back of the net five times in those contests. Vinícius contributed a goal and two assists in last week’s 6-1 Champions League rout of Monaco.
“I don’t think it’s changed that much, every coach has his own way of training, but maybe something is clicking better now,” goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said after a weekend win over Villarreal, hinting at the positive impact of the new tactical approach.
How to watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid, odds
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 28 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio da Luz — Lisbon, Portugal
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Benfica +300; Draw +310; Real Madrid -125
Will Real Madrid’s new attacking formula hold up against tougher competition? That question remains unanswered, and Wednesday’s match against Benfica isn’t likely to provide definitive proof.
Benfica desperately needs a result, currently sitting in 29th place – two points outside the playoff positions for the knockout stage. The appointment of Jose Mourinho hasn’t sparked the turnaround hoped for; they are among the lowest-scoring teams in the Champions League, with just six goals from 9.02 expected goals across seven games. A disjointed Benfica side is unlikely to trouble a confident Real Madrid, much like Monaco did last week.
The match also presents a symbolic passing of the torch between Mourinho and Arbeloa, his former player at Real Madrid. Arbeloa spoke warmly of Mourinho, revealing they remain in contact.
“I know who Mourinho is, I know what his phone must be like,” Arbeloa said in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “You can understand why he changes his number so often. I’ve tried to ‘bother’ him as little as possible. But he’s one of those friends you can go a long time without speaking to, and then if you call him at 3 a.m., I’m sure he’d answer.”
Arbeloa also praised Mourinho’s earlier tenure at Real Madrid, where he secured a league title.
“What the victory here 12 years ago [by winning the Champions League] meant deserves so much credit, just like Carlo [Ancelotti]’s or [Zinedine] Zidane’s later on,” he said. “But Mourinho laid the foundations for those years. That’s something I feel. I believe he’s always been valued within the club. And that’s why he was, is, and always will be one of us.”
